At Outside the Box we have lots of conversations with people. We want people to have the opportunity to talk about the issues that affect them and what helps them to cope.

Thanks to these conversations we know that having good community resources in place can be incredibly important when you have mental health difficulties. People might not think that a library or a book group are things that help with mental health but they can be. That’s why, as part of our Angus McFlourish project, where we are working with Angus Voice looking at ways to prevent isolation and loneliness, we looked at what things people can do in their communities to stay well without spending a lot of money.

We know that a lot of people worry about money, which can make your mental health worse. Some people who have mental health difficulties can’t work so money is even more of a concern. That’s why we wanted to make sure the ideas we put together for the Angus McFlourish project cost very little; most cost less than £1 to do or are free.

The group came up with loads of brilliant suggestions of things that help them to stay well.  We also had ideas from Grampian Opportunities, Faith in Community Dundee and Orkney Women’s Aid, as well as doing lots of research, so we have ideas for activities you can do all over Scotland.

You can read the booklet here or email alice@otbds.org to ask for some copies to be sent to you. Do you have any feedback about the booklet? Let us know below!