Mental health and wellbeing support is being increased with the launch of a new monthly Information Station drop-in service in Berwickshire, starting on Tuesday 14 October.
Held as part of the What Matters Hub at the Fare Share Café, 15 Murray Street, Duns, these sessions will run on the second Tuesday of each month from 12noon to 2pm, offering a welcoming space for anyone seeking guidance, support, or simply someone to talk to.
Whether someone is facing mental health challenges themselves or supporting someone else, the Information Station drop-ins offer time, space and a compassionate listening ear. They also provide a range of self-help guides and wellbeing resources and can signpost people to community groups and peer support, including providing useful contact details for relevant services.
Information Station for Mental Health and Wellbeing drop-in sessions are already available in other locations across the Borders. As of 14 October, the complete list will be:
- Duns—Fare Share Café, 15 Murray Street, second Tuesday of the month, 12noon-2pm
- Peebles—Costa Coffee, High Street, second Wednesday of the month, 10am–12.30pm
- Kelso—Topiary Café, Mayfield Garden Centre, third Wednesday of the month, 10am–12.30pm
- Galashiels—Asda Café, Currie Road, fourth Wednesday of the month, 10am–12.30pm
- Hawick—Heart of Hawick, Tower Mill, second Thursday of the month, 10am–12.30pm
Feedback from attendees has been positive
Feedback from those who’ve already benefited from their local drop-in has been positive, with attendees highlighting the welcoming atmosphere and professionalism of staff. As well as being helped to feel less isolated and overwhelmed, they have also shared feeling more hopeful about the future.
Mrs McGregor, Kelso
“For me, contacting the What Matters Hub—and being welcomed there with warmth and understanding, knowing that support is always given confidentially by kind and professional people—provides a lifeline for anyone struggling with life’s challenges. We are very fortunate in the Borders to have such a service.”
Councillor David Parker, Executive Member for Integrated Care and Support Services and Chair of the Integration Joint Board
“Mental health and wellbeing touch every part of our lives—from how we connect with others to how we cope with challenges. As a Partnership, we’re deeply committed to working together to make sure support is not only available but is truly accessible and welcoming.
“These drop-in sessions are proving to be a simple but powerful way of connecting people with the help they need, right in their own communities, making it much easier for people to take that vital first step. It’s fantastic that we’re going to be offering a service in the Berwickshire area, building on the success of the others already available, and I strongly encourage anyone who’s struggling—or who simply needs someone to talk with—to come along, reach out, and discover the support that’s waiting for them.”
More information
The service is delivered by peer support workers from third sector provider, Health in Mind and a dedicated team of health and social care professionals.