Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson has visited a new community café and wellbeing centre run by mental health charity Lanarkshire Association for Mental Health (LAMH).
The aim of the new Wishaw-based café is to create a space where mental health is valued and supported. The cafe runs alongside several wellbeing services and provides information on mental health resources as well as offering healthy meals for people in the community.
Ms Adamson said: “It was fantastic to visit this new Wishaw community café. I am already very familiar with the excellent work of LAMH.
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“We have had a dreadful 18 months, but It is my hope that one positive of the pandemic – if I can call it that – will be a greater focus on mental health.
“Prolonged isolation and being separated from those we love has undoubtedly caused more people to evaluate the importance of mental health, seeking support, and taking strength from our community and ourselves.
“As a society, we need to continue the shift in thinking about mental health and the value we place on wellbeing. We need to eliminate any stigma around reaching out for support and truly get mental health and wellbeing on the same footing as physical health.
“Charities like LAMH are leading the charge on this change in attitude. Their services have been a lifeline for people in our Motherwell and Wishaw communities.
“This exciting new venture will add to their wide range of services, provide a brilliant new community space, and, through their Pay It Forward scheme, local people can contribute to helping vulnerable people with a meal or drink.”
Hugh Cairns, chief executive of LAMH, said: “We are grateful to Clare for taking the time to visit our new community resource today and see what we can offer local people.
“Many people have already benefitted from attending our wellbeing sessions and have also received 1:1 advice from our wellbeing workers.
“Our cafe is proving a popular place to meet, eat and chat, as well as offering disadvantaged local people an opportunity for free food via our Pay it Forward scheme.
“We are hoping to build on our early success and develop in keeping with what local people want and need.”
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