Year 2 Awardee

Mindstore

Mind Store – Improving Lives of New Scots

Mind Store aims to bring a lifestyle-based approach to mental health alongside psychological interventions for improving depression and anxiety while linking with local food producers. The average waiting time at the NHS is 6 months for consultation then a possible further 6 months until counselling sessions are in place. Referrals to Mind Store can reduce the amount of time individuals have to wait, thus alleviating / preventing crisis situations. We are currently researching and undertaking additional training in how to best support asylum seekers with their mental health. Although our practitioners are trauma trained and skilled, additional skills are required to deliver the treatment to this diverse group with awareness of cultural sensitivities and the ongoing stress they experience. We are initially planning to offer group therapy sessions, primarily to assess need and to identify those who would benefit from more intensive support to process their traumas. The project aims to provide 120 individual sessions and 30 hours of group sessions (max size of group (8 participants) as well as 12 sessions of group nutritional input.