The Discovery College in Inverness has launched a Christmas Call Out, and is asking businesses and individuals to donate whatever they can to help the organisation support the people it is welcoming through the door each week.
Although the Discovery College, created by mental health charity Centred, focuses on peer support, mental wellbeing and recovery, it is clear that there are often small, practical needs that people have which prevent them from accessing the Discovery College and are making it difficult for some to survive day to day.
Open Wednesday to Friday, in its prominent location in the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness, the Discovery College offers a warm and welcoming environment for people to come for a hot drink and a chat.
In this relaxed environment, people are opening up about the day to day challenges which are compounding their struggles with mental health.
Sue Lyons, Discovery College Manager, explains:
“The Discovery College works with anyone who needs to build their confidence and skills to improve their mental wellbeing, overall quality of life and move forward with their own recovery.
“We provide peer support to help people on their own recovery journey whatever that looks like, but for many people, surviving day to day is their priority.
“Whilst we signpost people to public sector services and charities which are designed to support people who are struggling, there is often the need for an immediate response to a specific issue.
“This could be anything from food shopping, toiletries, bus fares or a warm coat or a pair of shoes.
“Meeting these needs can put someone in a far better place, helping them face the next day and those that follow.
“It can also help them to reach out to some of the services that are there to support them in the longer term.
“To see someone struggling for want of a helping hand is heartbreaking and that is why we are making this Christmas Call Out for funds to provide immediate support to those who need it.
“We would really like the community, businesses and individuals alike, to make a donation to the Discovery College.
“Any gift you make will make a massive difference to a local person’s immediate outlook, give them that much needed support and enable us to work with them to create a brighter future.”
Any individual or business who would like to donate to the Discovery College’s Christmas Call Out can do so by contacting 01463 236507, discoverycollege@centred.scot or by visiting the Discovery College in the Eastgate Shopping Centre.
The College is located on the first floor in the unit previously occupied by Argos.
Donations can be made online via JustGiving www.justgiving.com/centred-scot, in cash, or even as vouchers for retailers.
