Delivering community-led health improvement services in South

Pregnancy & Family Young support Women people health experiencing & wellbeing violence & abuse

Healthy eating Supporting & physical local people to activity volunteer for all Older & Adults living isolated with long term adults conditions

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 - 2016 Contents Page

Staff of 2015 – 2016 1

Chairperson’s Report 2

Board of Directors Who’s Who 3-4

Executive Manager’s Report 5

Organisational Priorities 6

Priority 1 – Promoting Healthier Lifestyles – Out & About (O&A) 7-8

Time Out Project 9-12

ReConnect Project 13-15

Lanarkshire Domestic Abuse Response (LDAR) 16-18

Grassroots Project 19-21

Parents Supporting Parents Project 22-24

Community Food & Health Project 25-30

Go2Play Project 31-33

Priority 2 – Volunteer Development 34-36

Priority 3 – Organisational Development and Sustainability 37 Staff of 2015 - 2016

Lesley McCranor Julia Miller Pauline Nichol Carolanne Robertson Management Team Management Team Finance and Admin Team Finance and Admin Team

Clare Cook Christine Foster Kate Williamson Stephanie Girdwood Grassroots Project Grassroots Project Grassroots Project Grassroots Project (Maternity Leave) (Maternity Cover)

Fiona Gairns Barbara Harding Wendy Kyle Heather McCartney ReConnect Project ReConnect Project Young Persons Project Young Persons Project

Simone Janse Van Rensburg Mary Hasting Carol Hamilton Jenny Dewar Community Food & Health Out & About Project LDAR Project LDAR Project

Louise Higgins Robert Stewart Faye Frame Hazel Pringle PSP Project PSP Project (April 2016) Go2Play Project Go2Play Project 1 Chairperson’s Report

It is the measure of a successful organisation that it constantly undertakes reappraisal of its activities and responds to new challenges. Healthy Valleys does just that. The Community Health Matters initiative is a good example of partnership working to tackle loneliness and isolation. It is to be hoped that this project will also result in an increase in volunteering, for our volunteer base is indeed arguably our most valuable asset.

This last year has seen our accommodation problem become even more pressing. Much time and energy has had to be devoted to finding a solution. At the moment possible solutions are being explored and hopefully there will be an outcome very soon as our time in Stuart Terrace will be limited as the buildings continue to be vacated.

More recognition seems at last to being given nationally to health and societal inequalities. These inequalities have become ever more marked as local employment opportunities have fallen to hitherto unknown levels. Recent research has shown that the financial crisis which arose in 2008 did have an impact on mental health and on suicide rates across Europe (Parmar and colleagues; BMJ 10th September 2016). The commentary following the article reminds us that although recessions can and do damage health, Governmental responses can be even more damaging. We at Healthy Valleys must continue to advocate and work for social and welfare policies that protect vulnerable people during times of crisis.

We are grateful as ever to all our partners, our dedicated, hard working staff, our Board, and all our volunteers for their continuing enthusiasm and commitment.

Sinclair Scott Chairperson - Healthy Valleys

2 Board of Directors

Sinclair Scott Sinclair was born in Burnside, , and spent early years there and later in Pollokshields, Glasgow. Educated at Burnside Primary, Hutchesons’ Boys’ Grammar School, and Glasgow University. After graduation and junior hospital posts, came to Douglas as a General Practitioner. The practice covers a large geographical area of , with surgeries in the three largest villages plus the Community Hospital at Douglas. It has a long history of training medical students and GP’s. After retiring from the practice Sinclair took the post of Programme Director for GP Training in Lanarkshire until full retiral.

Married with three sons, three daughters-in-law, two grand-sons, one step-grand-daughter, and one step-great grand-daughter!

Other involvements and interests are the church, Douglasdale Players, local community centre, travelling, helping wife in the garden, painting (not very good), and occasional piano playing (worse).

Retired last year after 50 years as Scout Leader.

Bill Watson Bill joined the Healthy Valleys’ Board of Directors in 2008. He was educated at Boroughmuir High School, Edinburgh and qualified as an ICAS accountant with Deloittes. He then took up post as accountant in electronic manufacturing before becoming a financial director then managing director. He won the queens award to industry for export achievement. He has also managed distribution businesses in USA, France, Italy, Spain, Australia and Singapore. Before retiring, he was Chief Executive of Scottish Rugby Union for six years, creating and chairing the Celtic League and sitting on the IRB, 6 Nations and ERC boards. He also operated a private ambulance company in Scotland and North England for six years. Sporting wise, he played international rugby for Scotland in the 1970’s and coached at Boroughmuir and Biggar RFC.

He now volunteers as a director of Boroughmuir Rugby & Community Sports Club and Healthy Valleys, both of which are registered charities.

Leo Sherry Leo joined the Board in 2012. Before this he worked in the public sector in the areas of planning, regeneration, economic development, community engagement and, programme and project delivery. Through partnership working he has engaged extensively with the private, public and voluntary sectors in project delivery. In addition, as a volunteer for a number of years, he has gained an understanding of the challenges facing voluntary sector organisations in building their capacity for service delivery and organisational development.

In his spare time, he strives to improve his musical ability.

3 Anne Connor Anne Connor lives one mile outside South Lanarkshire, in Scottish Borders. She currently works as Chief Executive of Outside the Box, which is a small charity that provides community development support to groups across Scotland.

Her previous roles included developing national participation projects for people using health and social care services. She started her working life as a civil servant and was a manager in the NHS with responsibility for mental health and addiction services.

Fred Farrell Fred is originally from the Glasgow area, he studied Law at the Universities of Strathclyde and Glasgow. Until recently he was a practising member of the Faculty of Advocates and specialised in criminal trials. He is a member of the Scottish Medico Legal Society.

Fred is married, lives locally and has a passion for motor bikes and classic cars.

He is also an active member of Historical Society.

Karen McGuigan Karen McGuigan is currently a Health Improvement Co-ordinator and Public Health Advisor for NHS Lanarkshire. She has worked for NHS Lanarkshire for 16 years and was one of the original members of the group that secured funding to develop the Health Valleys initiative. Her first degree is in sport and she also has a Masters degree in Public Health from the University of Glasgow.

Karen joined the Board in 2015. She is passionate about empowering communities to improve health and wellbeing and recognises the valuable role that the third sector plays in this.

Karen spends her spare time with her husband and two young sons and enjoys running to keep fit and healthy.

John McCafferty John McCafferty has worked in local government for the past 28 years, firstly with Renfrew District Council (where he was involved in the regeneration of Ferguslie Park and other areas in Renfrewshire) and since October of 1996 with South Lanarkshire Council.

For the past 10 years John has been South Lanarkshire Council’s voluntary sector liaison person and is formally the Councils representative on the range of voluntary sector and community health initiatives, including Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire, Healthy Valleys and Healthy’n’Happy Community Development Trust.

John purports to be a golfer and a keen 5-a-side footballer and has more holidays per year than Alan Whicker in his prime.

4 Executive Manager’s Report Although established in 2003, Healthy Valleys as an organisation continues to grow, learn and develop whilst supporting many people living in South Lanarkshire through the delivery of a range of health and wellbeing projects and programmes.

Our health is of key importance to all of us. Without it our quality of life is severely limited. Healthy Valleys’ staff and volunteers work alongside children, young people, adults and older people to ensure they have access to the right information and services they need. This is clearly demonstrated in this year’s Annual Report and we are extremely proud of our achievements.

So what has changed? At a time when change seems to be taking place everywhere and as a result of top down changes and restructures, it often makes a small voluntary organisation like ours feel disengaged and disempowered.

It means more than ever, we need to keep abreast of what is happening and what is not happening at national and local levels to ensure we are as best placed as we can be to better serve our rural communities.

The biggest legislative change that Scotland has seen recently is the implementation of the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014.

But what does that mean for us living in Scotland, living in South Lanarkshire? It means that health and social care services are now accountable to a single body – the Integration Joint Board – in South Lanarkshire this board is made up of representatives from South Lanarkshire Council, NHS Lanarkshire, the voluntary and independent sectors, who together are responsible for achieving 9 national health and social care outcomes.

It also means that people should be at the centre of the process. That people get the appropriate care and treatment they require, in the right setting and at the right time. That structures and systems are remodelled to ensure that these services are accessible and flexible and not barriers by their very nature.

Healthy Valleys’ staff and volunteers are hearing more and more often from our statutory sector colleagues, language that we have been putting into work practice since 2003; Equality, Engagement, Empowerment. In fact our organisational priorities are underpinned by these principles and many more.

Despite our many achievements, we still have a lot of work ahead of us but we wouldn’t be the successful organisation we are without our positivity and enthusiasm. We need to find ways to better influence local service provision, be more involved in the planning of services, challenge decisions when appropriate and make sure the voice of communities is heard and listened to.

As always, we move forward into a new year with energy and optimism.

Lesley McCranor Executive Manager – Healthy Valleys

5 Organisational Priorities

Established in 2003, Healthy Valleys is a community led health improvement charity and company limited by guarantee. It is located 7 miles South West of and delivers support services to children, young people, adults and older people.

It has 4 organisational priorities:-

Priority 1 – Promoting healthier lifestyles Priority 2 – Volunteer development Priority 3 – Organisational development and sustainability Priority 4 – Social enterprise

This annual report gives an insight into what we do to achieve Priorities 1, 2 & 3 the Board of Directors agreed to put on hold our Social Enterprise activities (Priority 4) until we have moved to a fit for purpose building which will host not only our social enterprises but will provide ample space and opportunity for the people of Clydesdale to come together to establish new social networks, learn new skills, uptake community based volunteering placements and support lifestyle change. All of which will contribute to making our rural communities a happier and healthier place to work, rest and play.

Acknowledgement and appreciation is expressed to the following funders: BIG Lottery Fund Cashback for Communities Cattanach Trust Community Food & Health (Scotland) Health and Social Care Scotland (The ALLIANCE) Inspiring Scotland Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland Henry Duncan Awards NHS Lanarkshire People & Communities Fund South Lanarkshire Council The Robertson Trust

6 Priority 1 - Promoting Healthier Lifestyles

Long term conditions are health conditions that last a year or longer, impact on a person’s life, and may require ongoing care and support.

The definition does not relate to any one condition, care-group or age category. Around two million people, 40 per cent of the Scottish population, have at least one long term condition, and one in four adults over 16 report some form of long term illness, health problem or disability.

Long term conditions become more prevalent with age. According to Audit Scotland, the number of people aged 75 and over will rise by 60 percent between 2004 and 2031. By the age of 65, nearly two-thirds of people will have developed a long term condition. Source: Scottish Government

Our response:- The Out & About Project (O&A) supports individuals with long-term health conditions and the wider community to tackle the causes of social isolation and health inequalities. O&A involved a consortium of 5 Community Led Health Improvement organisations from Aberdeen to Ayrshire who are using their combined resources, experience and expertise to tackle the issues regarding social isolation and health inequalities. The O&A partnership includes Annexe Communities, Glasgow; Healthy Valleys, South Lanarkshire; Yipworld, East Ayrshire; Deaf Connections, Glasgow and The Foyer, Aberdeen and is managed by Scottish Communities for Health & Wellbeing (SCHW) a national representative body for 74 Community-led health improvement organisations. Training, reporting and monitoring & evaluation support was provided by Community Health Exchange (CHEX). The project was funded through the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland’s (The Alliance) ‘Impact Fund’. The Alliance recognises that in the current economic climate there is an urgent need to develop effective, economic and sustainable models in disadvantaged communities which can be used to tackle the barriers which result in individuals becoming socially isolated and, as a result, experiencing poor health and wellbeing and a poorer quality of life.

This year Out & About supported

23 adults Delivered with at least 112 1 long term support condition sessions

Feedback from participants reported the following outcomes: • 79% improved social connections and networks • 72% improved health and wellbeing • 82% improved physical and emotional health • 91% feeling less isolated and lonely • 79% improved confidence and self-esteem • 68% gained new skills and knowledge 7 “I feel much happier and healthier having lost weight through walking and swimming. The main things that have changed through Healthy Valleys is that I have met new people and made friends and I feel better about myself.” Out & About participant

Out & About Participant Case Study

Mary contacted OAA as she had a relative who had participated in another project. An initial home visit was held and Mary’s cousin who also required support attended. Both had chaotic personal lives and long standing mental health issues. Goals were to get out and meet people.

Mary is in her 40’s, lives in a small village, has 4 children and her ex -partner had a drug problem. She is a carer for her son who had turned to drugs and alcohol because of issues relating to his ADHD and mental health issues. Mary previously worked with young people however a family death and complex family circumstances led to her depression and drinking. She previously had support from many agencies however she felt they didn’t understand her. Although she no longer takes alcohol, she lacked confidence and self-esteem and just sat in the house smoking and drinking coffee as she felt people were judging her. Her cousin was her only friend and they met daily. Mary wanted to change and no longer wanted to continue in this way.

Initial contact and engagement was sporadic with many cancellations or failure to attend, however eventually we managed a walk with her cousin. We arranged complementary therapies and despite a shaky start Mary attended and in time was able to travel on her own to her appointments. Mary was introduced to Hope Café which she enjoyed. She joined a sugar craft class and again despite a few setbacks managed to complete the course which was a major achievement. Unfortunately Mary’s cousin died in an accident. This was a major setback and Mary started to drink again with some serious consequences and withdrew from the project. We remained in contact by text and some greetings cards which she appreciated and she eventually asked to come back to the project.

Re-engagement with the project focused primarily just on talking, however eventually Mary revisited Hope Café and this time continued to attend. Mary has found support, a new circle of friends and initially volunteered for the Cafe. She has also lost weight through the walking group. She is attending courses to improve her confidence and self-esteem and also has a new relationship which is going well.

This has not been an easy journey for Mary and despite having some major setbacks she found the courage to recover and no longer requires support from the project. Volunteering has increased her confidence and she is looking to the future and has now gained a part time paid position helping others in the café. She is interested in beauty or reiki and looking to take courses. The son she cares for has also benefitted. He no longer takes drugs, also volunteers with Hope Café, gives talks on his journey and has written ‘his story’. He said that if it wasn’t for Out & About helping his mum he wouldn’t be where he is today. 8 Mental Health and Wellbeing

Fundamental Facts about Mental Health according to the Mental Health Foundation 2015.

The extent of mental health problems • One in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem in any given year. • Mental health problems are one of the main causes of the burden of disease worldwide. In the UK, they are responsible for the largest burden of disease - 28% of the burden, compared to 16% each for cancer and heart disease.

The cost of mental health problems • Mental health services in the UK are overstretched, have long waiting times and in some regions, lack specialist services. Despite this, public spending is focused almost entirely on coping with crisis, with only a small investment in prevention. Mental health research receives only 5.5% (£115 million) of total UK health research spending. • Mental health problems constitute the largest single source of world economic burden, with an estimated global cost of £1.6 trillion - greater than cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, cancer and diabetes on their own. • In the UK, the estimated costs of mental health problems are £70-100 billion each year and account for 4.5% of GDP.

Physical health and mental health • There are strong links between physical and mental health problems. Research has found that 30% of people with a long-term physical health problem also have a mental health problem and 46% of people with a mental health problem also had a long-term physical health problem.

Suicide • In 2013 there were 6,233 suicides recorded in the UK for people aged 15 and older. Of these, 78% were male and 22% were female.

Healthy Valleys recognises the need for more support for young people living in the rural area and the Time Out Project was designed to provide an accessible and trusting environment for young people struggling to cope with life’s challenges.

Through participation in the project young people, aged 14-25 years, are able to learn new coping skills and develop support mechanisms to self-manage their mental health and wellbeing. Therapeutic interventions such as counselling, stress management and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, are offered as well as a holistic approach to health including physical activity, healthy eating and group social activity.

The project is very much focused on community “Time Out is like a big fuzzy huggy involvement and connecting young people to their community, reducing isolation and jumper, it feels like a comforting improving health and wellbeing. mug of soup.”

9 The project is volunteer and young person led, with active participation in the Steering Group which meets quarterly. We particularly focus on recruiting volunteers who have lived experience of mental ill health, and aim to develop young people as volunteers too. Young people can take part in group or 1:1 activities and a package of support is tailored to meet their individual needs.

REFERRALS This year, 69 individual young 25 people engaged with the project 22 22 The most common reasons for 20 referral were depression and 15 anxiety. This is a significant 13 13 12 increase from the previous 10 10 year’s referrals. 8

5 4 The average age of young people 2 2

accessing the service is 21. More 0 males than ever before were referred to and took up the offer of support.

REFERRAL SOURCES: 52 new referrals were received. Of these 15 chose not to engage and 4 were outstanding as at 31st March 2016.

There was a significant increase in the number of referrals received from GPs and from Mental Health Services.

This year we enabled: • 7 individual young people to benefit from “Time Out is like a family - everyone 46 1:1 buddying sessions is welcome, nobody gets chucked out, • 26 individual young people to benefit you can leave and come back.” from 140 counselling sessions • 30 individual young people to benefit from 137 stress management sessions 93% 86% improved 92% 78% 86% improved skills and improved improved felt more and developed knowledge to mental health & physical health connect to the social & move on to a wellbeing & wellbeing community support positive networks 10 future 1:1 Buddying Sessions Young people who do not want to take part in group activity can opt for 1:1 support from a Volunteer Buddy, as well as 1:1 counselling and stress management sessions. Buddying is offered to those young people who have most difficulties in engaging with others and building positive relationships. Volunteers support them to access local resources and build their confidence and self-esteem. Most young people make the move to engaging in group activity over time.

Parental Support The majority of young people we support are over the age of 16 and live independently. It is unusual for parents to be involved, but on occasion they are. In 2015/16 we supported 5 parents / carers of the young people to access stress management. This was because of the stress involved in caring for the young person, which was having a detrimental effect on their own health.

“Hi!! I wanted to let you know how Healthy Valleys has helped me. I am now a Youth Worker and starting my own group to do activities to help teenagers overcome mental health and confidence issues! Getting them of the streets and become individuals. Just want to say what a difference this can have on someone’s life and how it can influence them to take a stand! Thank you for everything.”

VOLUNTEERING In 2015/16, 19 volunteers supported the Time Out project, contributing 1042 hours of their time. The majority of volunteers had lived experience of mental ill health themselves, or of caring for someone with mental health issues. 10 new volunteers were recruited. 4 new CBT student counsellors were recruited.

MOVING FORWARD In 2016/17 two Healthy Valleys projects - Time Out and Out and About will be merged to create “Community Health Matters” (CHM). CHM will continue to support young people age 16+ as well as adults up to the age of 50, to improve their health and wellbeing, connect to their community and reduce isolation. We will continue to offer CBT and Stress Management. Volunteers will continue to offer 1:1 and group support and two Community Health Navigators will support people with the most complex health and social needs.

In addition two Community Hubs will be established and the community supported to provide a variety of social groups and activities. A successful Social Prescribing pilot project with a local GP practice will continue.

11 Time Out Participant Case Study

Amy (23) was referred to Healthy Valleys by SLC Housing when she was forced to leave the family home and become independent. She was poorly treated by her family, has a mild learning difficulty, poor health, very low confidence and self esteem, limited life skills and was isolated within the community. Amy experienced verbal abuse, resulting in charges being made on the grounds of a hate crime towards people with disabilities.

Amy was offered intensive housing support, but did not engage with the service. She did however engage with Healthy Valleys’ Time Out Young Persons Mental Health and Wellbeing project and soon disclosed regular self harm to cope with her feelings and thoughts of suicide. Amy received regular support including counselling and stress management. She was supported to visit her GP and ask for help with her mental and physical health, attended an optician for the first time and had regular appointments with a dentist. This made a significant difference to her health and wellbeing.

A volunteer Buddy helped her to engage in community activities and soon she had a 5 day a week itinerary including a social group, arts and crafts activities, walking, Rural Café and Zumba. She made friends and enjoyed social activities with them out with the project. She learned coping skills, built her confidence and self-esteem and reduced her incidences of self harm.

However Amy struggled living alone and gave up her tenancy after 6 months to move in with a family member. She slept on the couch for 6 months and her health deteriorated significantly. Healthy Valleys made an Adult at Risk Referral to Social Work, such were our concerns about her living arrangements and treatment by her family. Tension rose within the house and she decided she could no longer live there. With the support of Healthy Valleys she declared herself homeless.

Since being made homeless, Amy has received excellent support from another agency as well as the Time Out project. Working in partnership we have been able to rebuild her confidence and skills to help her work towards gaining and maintaining a tenancy in the near future, as well as sorting out her benefits, understand her disabilities and receive appropriate treatment and support.

“Being a part of Healthy Valleys and going to the groups makes me feel good about myself and I couldn’t have asked for brilliant and nicer people cause everyone at Healthy Valleys means a lot to me, couldn’t have coped with things without them, helping me through things. You are all my favourite people in the world.”

12 Isolation is a growing national problem due to a range of socio-economic and cultural trends and projects like ReConnect can demonstrate that they are most effective in reducing rural isolation due to the direct impact they have on the lives of older people by increasing social contact and improving access to local services.

The Campaign to End Loneliness states: • 17% of older people are in contact with family, friends and neighbours less than once a week and 11% are in contact less than once a month (Victor et al, 2003) • Over half (51%) of all people aged 75 and over live alone (ONS, 2010) • Two fifths all older people (about 3.9 million) say the television is their main company (Age UK, 2014) • 63% of adults aged 52 or over who have been widowed, and 51% of the same group who are separated or divorced report, feeling lonely some of the time or often (Beaumont, 2013) • 59% of adults aged over 52 who report poor health say they feel lonely some of the time or often, compared to 21% who say they are in excellent health (Beaumont, 2013) • A higher percentage of women than men report feeling lonely some of the time or often (Beaumont, 2013)

The impact of loneliness on our health Loneliness is more than an emotional experience. Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are harmful to our health: lacking social connections is a comparable risk factor for early death as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and is worse for us than well-known risk factors such as obesity and physical inactivity. SOURCE: Campaign to End Loneliness.

Our Lottery funded ReConnect Project was launched in October and offers much needed support and help for isolated older people living in Clydesdale who need help to link them back into their own community.

The focus of ReConnect is older people who are living in their own homes and are facing a range of disadvantages which increase their isolation making it difficult for them to live independently. For example, living alone, recently bereaved or living with a mental health or physical disability.

Our locally trained volunteers provide the vital support needed by visiting older people at home, getting to know them and assisting them to get out and about.

Benefits of this approach for older people: • Help to think about their lives and the kinds of things they would like to do to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. • Increased social interaction and participation in community activities and events. • Rekindling past interests and activities - meeting new friends and old. • Someone to listen to them and offer practical support- what most of us would call a good friend but can sometimes be increasingly hard to find as we get older. 13 53 - 93 32 152 Age ranges of Referrals 1:1 Support people received sessions supported

Even at this early stage, participants are reporting huge transformations in their everyday lives and mental health from simply being supported to leave the house and benefit from increased levels of social interaction.

Despite beneficiaries having mobility and mental health challenges the following progress was recorded:

“I’m enjoying life now I used to shake like a leaf when I went out, I don’t now.” ReConnect participant

“I’ve not had anybody talk to me the way you do.” ReConnect participant

14 ReConnect Beneficiary Case Study

Walter is a 72 year old retired lorry driver who was referred to our ReConnect service on 11th February 2016 by the Occupational Therapist from the local Social Work team in Lanark. The presenting picture was that he lived alone following the death of his mother a few years ago, but has never got over her death as she was the focus of his life.

Walter has a mild learning disability and a long history of cardiac problems that have resulted in several admissions to hospital over the years. Following referral to Healthy Valleys no other services have been involved in his care. He manages to cope with all aspects of daily living including basic cooking and maintaining his home and garden.

Walter described himself as a “loner” with no friends and little contact with his neighbours. He used to enjoy driving but has lost his confidence and hasn’t driven for several months preferring to shop in the local village store.

A baseline Impact Star assessment was completed with a score of 3 in the agreed priority areas. He was matched with his volunteer on 10th March 2016.

Six months on, Walter is driving to Lanark for his weekly shopping. He is attending all Healthy Valleys drop in Community Cafés in Kirkmuirhill, Lanark and , in addition he collects two participants and brings them to the fortnightly activity group in . He participates well in the groups and always expresses how much he has enjoyed himself.

His confidence and self-esteem has increased to a level where the support from his volunteer will finish at the end of August. We recently completed Walter’s final Impact Star review where he exited on a score of 7. He repeatedly says that the support he received from Healthy Valleys and his volunteer have changed his life.

“I now have something to look forward to when I get up in the mornings and I haven’t felt like that for years.”

15 Lanarkshire Domestic Abuse Response (LDAR)

Police Scotland recorded 58,104 cases of domestic abuse in 2015 - 16.

The majority (80%) of cases involved a male perpetrator and a female victim.

The Lanarkshire Domestic Abuse Response (LDAR) Project helps support those women living in Lanarkshire to regain their dignity, self-worth and confidence.

Healthy Valleys provides a complementary therapies service to women who have experienced domestic abuse as an integral part of the LDAR project, as an addition to theemotional support mechanisms already in place, as it was recognised that this type of intervention can help support a client’s recovery and is not a service that is available elsewhere.

Referrals are made by agencies working with women who have experienced domestic abuse, either currently or in the past, that has impacted on their overall wellbeing, and where it is recognised that the women are in a safe place, able to move into the emotional recovery stage of their healing. In order to be referred women must also be experiencing at least one of the following issues on an ongoing basis: • sleep problems • physical health problems • low self-esteem • emotional numbness • difficulty with talk therapy • difficulty with touch • depression • anxiety/panic

Beneficiaries are offered a consultation with the complementary therapist and at this time a treatment plan is developed with women generally attending for around 6 to 8 sessions.

The therapies available for the women to choose from are: • Aromatherapy • Aromatherapy Massage • Indian Head Massage • Pregnancy Massage • Shiatsu

66 335 110 Women Therapy Referrals supported sessions received delivered

16 It was expected that beneficiaries would experience: • Improvements in general wellbeing & self-esteem “I feel as if I’ve • Improvements in confidence levels connected with myself • Feeling safer & less isolated • Improvements in physical & emotional pain again. I didn’t realise • Improved sleep I was so disconnected …. I feel I can allow The women had experienced domestic abuse that had others into my life negatively impacted on their overall wellbeing and often with feeling safe, to presented with many ongoing issues in their lives, such as be able to protect court cases, financial & housing problems, as well as being myself. I trust myself.” physically & emotionally scarred by their experiences and as was expected with this particularly vulnerable client LDAR beneficiary group, sessions were lost to cancellations. However we are introducing a new ‘opt-in’ system which may help address this as it is hoped that the women will chose a less chaotic time in their lives to opt-in.

“For me these treatments proved so valuable in helping me to rebuild myself…. having someone who acknowledged my struggles and highlighted my strengths when I was feeling really low was a great source of help…. This course of treatments really helped me feel better about myself when my self-esteem was at an all time low. They helped me to de-stress this had a knock on impact on my children who benefitted from me feeling better. It just really provided a very nurturing environment to help me to rebuild myself following a very difficult period of trauma and adjustment in my life. I cannot recommend it enough…” LDAR beneficiary

17 LDAR Beneficiary Case Study

Healthy Valleys offers therapeutic massage to victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. They offer an avenue of healing for those who have suffered tremendous emotional and physical abuse. It gives the battered and abused comfort, leading to a healing path.

The referred women are not only dealing with the consequences of the abuse, they are dealing with the emotional fracture of their life. The impact it has is not only on them but on their families too. It strips them of feeling, it denies them of intimacies with partners, the closeness of a simple hug from their children. It denies them to enjoy everyday parts of their life. It strips and numbs them of their senses.

How do I know this? Well I am one of the above, but with the help of Healthy Valleys, I have gone from being a victim to becoming a survivor.

I was referred to Healthy Valleys by my Support Worker at Women’s Aid. If I am honest, I didn’t want to go. The thought of someone touching me scared me. How could I let a stranger invade my physical and emotional space. I went with a closed mind.

I was met with a warm smile from my therapist. The smells of the oils evoked happy memories and the sound of the relaxing music opened my mind for a split second. She let me talk, let me be in control. She sensed and understood my current state of mind. I relaxed and enjoyed smelling the most amazing oils. ‘Smell’ was one of my senses that was long forgotten.

The therapist asked me to smell the oils and I had enjoyed expressing what they each meant to me. The lemon smell made me think of flowers and it was fresh and clean. In actual fact I was drawn to this oil as I felt like my body needed cleaning, like I was ‘dirty’ after the abuse.

As the first session I realised that I had let my guard down but I still felt safe. I left feeling happy and bit more positive in myself. I went home and I began to think. I then realized how deep my trauma was, including all my fears.

As the sessions went on I was continuing to allow this stranger to invade my personal space, my physical being and my emotional state. It was the most enlightening and empowering experience I have ever felt. This woman had my trust. She gave me back parts of myself I had shut down. My self-esteem felt boosted, I felt more positive and I had actually allowed myself to relax for the first time in ages. I also was able to let go of the guilt, as I blamed myself for what happened.

Healthy Valleys Holistic massage put me on the road to recovery. I have gone from being a victim to becoming a survivor. I highly recommend it, to the point I think that Healthy Valleys should be part of the recommendations alongside Women’s Aid, Victim Support, Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Support.

I believe it should be offered as part of help and recovery for all victims of sexual abuse and domestic abuse.

Former victim, now Survivor. 18 As welfare cuts take their toll on already vulnerable families, the need for projects like Grassroots is ever growing to help families support their babies and children and give them the best possible start in life.

The BIG Lottery funded project has developed a 3 pronged approach to early intervention:

Pre Conception Information and Education Service (PIES) was added to the original project to encourage young people at risk to make informed lifestyle choices to reduce the potential of unplanned and unhealthy pregnancies. This is a new approach for the Grassroots Project from July 2016.

Intensive Parental Support Programme (IPSP) trained local volunteers are matched to families to support them to attend community based services and activities in our Family Education Support Programme and to ensure the parents to be attend vital health care appointments.

Family Education Support Programme (FESP)offers referred families a range of opportunities to improve their parenting skills and their health and wellbeing.

During the year over 30 partners attended our Grassroots Research Event to hear about the impact of the project. The Researchers from UWS and Strathclyde Universities passionately spoke about the difference the Project has made to beneficiaries. Two case studies were shared bravely from a volunteer and beneficiary and Aileen Campbell MSP for Clydesdale and the then Minister for Children and Young People closed the day by reiterating that the Grassroots Project is contributing to “making Scotland the best place in the world to grow up.”

“It’s great to hear the updates from you as it lets me know how they are getting on between antenatal appointments.” Lanark Midwife

90 229 74 Health care Community Familes appointments activity sessions supported attended attended 19 954 Volunteers Volunteering supported the hours families 19 The Project has gone from strength to strength with many families benefitting in so many different ways.

Next year we will be involved in the Second Hand Smoke Afresh Study which will encourage parents who smoke, to smoke outdoors and minimise the damage that second hand smoke has on young lungs.

“Well I enjoy them n a want to make sure a learn everything a need to know before the baby’s here N yous offer so much that will benefit me and my family would be stupid no to take full advantage x” Grassroots beneficiary

“I started volunteering with Healthy Valleys a year ago and really enjoying it! Helping families get out and about and to appointments is really rewarding.” Grassroots Volunteer

20 Grassroots Beneficiary Case Study

A young couple Stacey and John were referred to the Grassroots Project by the midwife in February 2016. They had recently moved to a rural village in South Lanarkshire from London where John was abusing alcohol and drugs and involved in drug gang crime.

The couple found out they were pregnant with their first child and wanted to start afresh. When they moved to Scotland, they were very isolated, no family or friends and had money worries. Stacey had experienced domestic violence in a previous relationship which meant her confidence and self-esteem were very low. The couple have mild learning difficulties and do not drive.

Trained volunteers supported the couple to attend all their ante natal health care appointments to ensure both mother and baby were healthy throughout the pregnancy. The couple wouldn’t have been able to get to these appointments due to the fact that they would have had to get 2 buses to the nearest hospital and they had no money for bus fares. This support was not just about transport, the volunteers provide advice and guidance in a friendly, non-judgemental way that parents respond to. They were also supported to attend the parenthood classes run by midwives and received a BabySounds session from our trained volunteers which promotes bonding, attachment and communication between parents/carers and the unborn baby. They will receive another session when the baby is around 8 weeks old. The couple also completed a healthy weaning session in June and they will be asked again to another in November to cement their knowledge.

Due to money worries, the couple were advised of Healthy Valleys’ Rural Café which runs every Thursday in Lanark where they are provided with a hot meal. They attended this and have formed friendships and support networks they can rely on as well are receiving information and advice on various health and money topics.

A volunteer supported the couple to attend the Citizens Advice Bureau for a benefits check and advice on their money issue. This is now resolved and the couple have received all their entitlements and are in a better place with how to manage their money.

The couple were also linked into Healthy Valleys’ Community Cafés in Lanark and Rigside and the Parents Supporting Parents (PSP) pre 5 group where they now attend weekly. Due to their involvement in the cafes, they have completed a cooking skills course and John is now training to become a volunteer with the cafes, which he is delighted about.

In August, the couple welcomed a healthy baby girl. They were supported home from hospital by a volunteer as they would have had to pay an expensive taxi fare otherwise and they didn’t have a car seat (this was provided by Healthy Valleys).

Presently, the couple are less isolated “Healthy Valleys’ Grassroots Project and have formed social networks due have helped us get to our to attending the weekly cafes and PSP appointments and helped with group. Their mental health, confidence our parenting skills. They have also and parenting skills have also increased. helped us meet new people and They are both on a healthy path to provide a loving and enriching environment for friends.” their child. 21 One in five parents in Scotland feel lonely and isolated, regularly feeling cut off from friends and other sources of support, according to recent research by leading children’s charity Action for Children.

The importance of having a support network to rely on was also highlighted by parents during the survey with more than half saying it is particularly important to have friends who are also parents.

The Parents Supporting Parents (PSP) project has been running in rural villages of South Lanarkshire since the summer of 2014. The project works with parents and carers of children under 5 years who want to help themselves and others by developing different types of local support that suits their lives and circumstances.

The project: • Encourages and supports parents and carers to become more involved in local groups and activities with their children. • Works with parents and carers to develop new groups and activities which are suitable for people living in rural areas with children under 5 years. • Brings parents/carers together to share ideas and makes connections between people leading similar lives. • Identifies volunteers to work with groups to develop fun activities and provide a welcoming environment for families.

PSP is funded by the Cattanach Trust until March 2017 and has been operating in Rigside, Douglas, Blackwood & Kirkmuirhill, Forth, Junction, , Lanark (Smyllum) and .

124 231 8 Activity based Participants Communities sessions supported engaged accessed

We have helped support parents to develop and recruit families to pre 5 groups in each village. Groups signposted to support from SPELL and VASLan have secured funding to enable them to offer a better quality programme of activities and resources.

22 “It’s the first activity I went to with my little one – I needed a bit of help and support to get there but now I’m more confident at getting out and going to the group, I love it and I’ve made great friends, learnt new skills and feel more part of the community now.” Rigside parent

“Helps to have somewhere to go in the day, get ready to go out.” parent

“The Pre 5 group is my only social contact.” Douglas parent

23 Parents Supporting Parents Beneficiary Case Study

Jane had been referred into Parents Supporting Parents from our Grassroots Project. Jane had issues in her life that she needed support with.

Jane had been a single parent of two young children. She had recently left an abusive relationship and had to cope with the death of a close family member. Jane needed support and reassurance that she had a place in her local community.

The impact of Jane’s challenges, left her feeling worthless and isolated. Feeling trapped within an abusive lifestyle she turned her back on family and friends and had no support or connections within her local community.

Since engaging with the Parents Supporting Parents Project Jane has become stronger and stronger and now is a key member within the newly established Pre 5 Toddler group/Parents Supporting Parents Group. She has shown great leadership skills and has been a great support to other members within the group. Jane has opened up to the group regarding domestic abuse issues and the death of her family member and how both have affected her.

“I have learnt my lessons from the past and have built new ways to communicate better and make lifelong friends that can support and help me. Without the help of Parents Supporting Parents and the group I would be in a dark place with little or no support.”

She recognises how the effects of those issues have changed her life and the how support provided from Parents Supporting Parents has helped her look at things in a more positive way. She has gained new coping skills to help her better manage unplanned circumstances and is better able to communicate with people. She is often the main support for other people.

Jane feels that the future no longer looks dark. She has recently passed her driving theory test and is looking to find part time employment. Whereas before this was never a consideration or option for her.

She has rebuilt family relationships and made new friends. She says her confidence and self-esteem has also improved. Jane is still developing communication skills that will make her a strong leader within the Pre 5 toddler group. She is now able to support and reflect on situations and get others to do the same. She has had her moments but knows this is part of a positive journey to a good destination.

Jane is a great inspiration to other parents not just in the toddler group but also within Parents Supporting Parents.

24 Community Food & Health

We know that Obesity can reduce people’s overall quality of life. It creates a strain on health services and leads to premature death due to its link to chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia, which are all major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The two major lifestyle factors associated with the growth of obesity are physical inactivity and poor diet.

The Community Food and Health Project tackles this issue through a variety of approaches that involves food education, hands on cooking and accessing adults to physical activity sessions. It is recognised that we cook less from scratch than our parents and grandparents did and more of us tend to eat convenience or take away foods.

Recent research shows that less than half of Scotland’s parents (47 percent) consider themselves as very capable cooks, and are happy to cook a meal using fresh or frozen ingredients, without the use of a recipe. However, more than a third of families (35 percent) are eating takeaway food at least once a week and around one third of families (32 percent) are eating ready meals at least three times a week.

As an accredited REHIS training provider Healthy Valleys has delivered a variety of REHIS courses: • Elementary Cooking Skills • Elementary Food Hygiene • Elementary Food & Health

All of which increase the skills and knowledge base of the local community.

10 5 2 REHIS Cooking REHIS Food REHIS Food & Skills courses Hygiene courses Health courses delivered delivered delivered

1 Practical 77 adults Cooking ‘Train the participated in Trainer’ course Cookery Skills delivered courses

25 “I now read the traffic light “I also went on the cooking course system and know what foods with other people from the Rural to avoid.” Café. I learnt how to cook and make Healthy eating participant the most of my food parcel from the foodbank – really enjoyed the course.” Healthy eating participant

“The Women’s Aid worker recommended this course to me. It’s been great, haven’t had the time to cook properly for ages and enjoyed cooking new recipes and the company – we’ve had a laugh. I know more about what foods me and family should be eating and what we shouldn’t!” Healthy eating participant

26 Food is an excellent social connector, it provides a connection to other people, to health and the environment. 60 Adults We established a number of community cafes in the Clydesdale area attended 46 to ensure there’s a warm and inviting place for people who need sessions at the extra support to come together on a weekly basis and have the opportunity to have a healthy snack and meet new friends. Rural Café

The healthy eating courses are led and supported by trained volunteers who completed 371 volunteer hours. We recruited 2 42 new volunteers, 1 volunteer re-engaged and another moved from Grassroots to support the healthy eating programme. participants attended 34 A volunteer from the Rural Cafe has been successful in getting a part sessions at the time job. She still attends the cafe as a volunteer when she is not Kirkmuirhill working. She says: Drop in Café

“I would never had asked/applied for work before. Since helping out at the Rural Cafe, my confidence has grown and I am so grateful for that. Even though I am working now, I still would like to carry on at the Rural Café.”

27 Rural Café Beneficiary Case Study Jack grew up in a mining town with a recollection of a happy childhood despite their financial struggles. He grew up, married and had 2 children. He worked hard for a living until 2002 when his life began to spiral out of control. His best friend was murdered, his volatile marriage ended in him being remanded for a month for domestic assault, and he lost his job through a mental and physical breakdown and subsequently lost his home. Jack found himself turning to alcohol to ease the pain he was suffering. He found himself without money after his benefits were stopped and unable to work due to being attacked.

Rural Café involvement and benefits Jack was referred to the Rural Café through his alcohol rehabilitation worker. She felt the Rural Café would allow Jack the opportunity to have a hot meal and gain some much needed social interaction. Jack said “I was really apprehensive about coming along. I didn’t know what to expect. I thought I’d be waiting for a fight to kick off over a piece of bread” but despite this he knew he had to attend because he was constantly struggling to feed himself despite accessing the local food bank. Jack said “I remember one time going for 3 days without food and feeling like I was going to pass out because I had to walk so far every day to ask for help.” “I was getting so frustrated with no one helping when I was so hungry.” “3 days isn’t the longest I have gone without food. There have been times at night when I have lain on my stomach and pushed a pillow into it to close it off in order to stop the hunger pains so I could sleep.”

When Jack first arrived at the café he was very reserved and kept himself to himself choosing to simply eat his soup and leave however as the weeks went on Jack’s confidence grew and he began to interact more with the staff, volunteers and other service users. Jack says that he looks forward to a Thursday when the café is on. Jack says that café and the people he has met have given him something else to focus on.

Future aspirations Jack is going to become a Grandad for the first time in a few months and says that is what motivated him to deal with his drink problem. He says “I want to be there to see my Grandson grow up. To be there and help out you know? I’m so proud to be becoming a Grandad….it gives me something to look forward to.” He also hopes the Rural Café continues as it ensures that he always as a hot meal and a “good laugh with everyone who comes” and he hopes that “things will get better with my financial situation” as through the café he has been referred to a financial support agency to support and guide him with this aspect of his life.

Jack also completed a practical cooking course in November 2015, which focused on cooking on a tight budget and was the 1st certificated qualification that he had ever achieved and which he was extremely proud of.

“It gives me an incentive to get up and out. There are times when I come with nothing in my stomach and that bowl of soup sets me up for the day. It’s a double sided coin – the soup is lovely and wholesome but the company is the best. Some might think it’s a soup kitchen but it’s not it’s like a wee community, a wee village within a town. I love coming but it would be better if it was on more than once a week.” 28 Volunteers View

I remember when Jack arrived at the café on its first day. It was winter and he was thankfully well wrapped up for the weather outside but he was very thin. He introduced himself but didn’t say much else and to be honest when he left after that first day I didn’t think he would come back but thankfully he did. I think it was about week 3 or 4 that I learned a little more about Jack and his background as he finally began to feel comfortable to talk more openly.

From then on Jack grew stronger from week to week. He shared his excitement about the fact he was going to become a Grandad for the first time and also his fears after neighbours threatened him. It has been wonderful to see him open up and he is so grateful for the non- judgmental listening ears, support and advice that have been offered within the café. He makes me realise how important the café is and the impact it has on people’s lives. I am humbled by his stories and his determination and proud to see him flourish as the weeks go on.

29 To complement our efforts to combat obesity the physical activity programmes aim to increase opportunities and access for children, young people, adults and older people living in rural South Lanarkshire to take part in gentle exercise to improve health and wellbeing, improve fitness and increase social networks.

39 17 17 13 Participants Participants Participants Participants attended 51 attended 38 attended 8 C’mon attended 37 volunteer led indoor bowling Dancing swimming health walks sessions sessions sessions

New developments Community Food and Health will be renamed next year to the Community Food Matters Project and will continue to strive to reduce obesity related health issues through education and food provision.

30 The UK’s Chief Officers’ report Start Active, Stay Active recommends the following guidelines in order to promote levels of physical activity and combat life threatening health conditions in later life; obesity, CHD and diabetes.

EARLY YEARS (under 5s) • Physical activity should be encouraged from birth, particularly through floor-based play and water-based activities in safe environments. • Children of pre-school age who are capable of walking unaided should be physically active daily for at least 180 minutes (3 hours), spread throughout the day. • All under 5s should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary (being restrained or sitting) for extended periods (except time spent sleeping).

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE (5–18 years) • All children and young people should engage in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 60 minutes and up to several hours every day. • Vigorous intensity activities, including those that strengthen muscle and bone, should be incorporated at least three days a week. • All children and young people should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary (sitting) for extended periods.

The Go2Play project is part of a national initiative that aims to promote physical activity among school aged children. Healthy Valleys became involved in September 2015 as a result of funding received from Inspiring Scotland.

The project delivered active play sessions within two local rural communities; Rigside and Smyllum, Lanark. Sessions were available for children aged between 3 and 11 years and were based around outdoor play. They were semi structured being ½ play ranger led and ½ free play. During the sessions children were introduced to a variety of different games and were able to explore their own capabilities through a wide range of equipment. As well as play sessions being delivered in playgrounds and gym halls, we took children to different spaces within their local community to help build confidence in playing on different surfaces and objects. Rigside Nursery and Primary School sessions were delivered within school hours and Smyllum sessions were delivered afterschool.

182 School aged 110 children Active play participated sessions delivered

31 “We loved going for a walk around the woods and playing lots of different games.” October week participant

“A successful, beneficial delivery of physical fun.” Nursery Teacher

“Their confidence has grown from beginning of project.” Nursery Teacher

Outcomes • Rigside Nursery staff participated in Active Play Training delivered by Healthy Valleys • Nursery and school teachers were very positive about the active play sessions • School teachers introduced more outdoor learning and incorporated some active play games into their lessons • Rigside Primary School P5-P7 group and Coordinator were chosen to be featured in the promotional video for Go2Play Active Play sessions. Some of the children felt confident enough to speak on the video to express how much they enjoy and value the active play sessions

“I can jump higher and catch better.” Child

“We will encourage the children to play games learned at active play during play time, lunch time and afterschool.” Primary School Teacher

“This week has been brilliant as he had something to do and has had great fun. This is good as the kids are exercising and keeping active while having fun.” October week participant 32 Go2Play Case Study

At the beginning of the Go2Play project we had a number of children that were apprehensive when it came to participating in games and struggled to use their imagination when it came to free play, however they soon found their motivation and so it wasn’t long before they were joining in without any hesitation.

One boy in particular lacked confidence when it came to mixing with his peers and taking part in games, this had been a real struggle for him. Through observation his struggles were evident as he would stand at the back, silent, not speaking to anyone and even struggled to interact with the play rangers. This was even more prominent during free play as there were no structured games to encourage him to take part in. Through peer, play ranger and teacher encouragement his confidence increased and he began to participate in more games. During free play we would try to organise a few other children to invite him to play with them. He was beginning to mix better in the group and was becoming more vocal and active during games and free play, even co-ordinating a balancing game on the beams in the playground. His teacher has also identified his increased confidence within the classroom too.

“He is contributing more within lessons and is building better relationships with his class mates.”

These better relationships have opened up more opportunities to be physically active as he is now playing with friends afterschool and has expressed an interest in attending the local football training, things which he has never done before he was involved in Active Play.

33 Priority 2 - Volunteer Development

Volunteering is an essential part of Healthy Valleys and spreads throughout the Organisation from our Board of Directors to the delivery of grassroots services. Our volunteers not only deliver vital services but the Organisation supports the needs of volunteers to ensure quality service delivery as well as providing a positive volunteering experience.

According to Volunteer Scotland, in South Lanarkshire (2013) 24% of the population formally volunteered. That is 61,500 individuals, which is below the national average at 28%.

This year we are forever grateful for our 93 active volunteers who contributed approximately 3,578 hours in the delivery of our services. Without this valuable volunteer support Healthy Valleys would not be able to help as many people in rural South Lanarkshire as we currently do. This year our volunteers supported 30% more beneficiaries than last year.

The value of volunteers to Healthy Valleys and our community is enormous. Continued investment in our volunteer training programme ensures that our participants receive quality advice and support. Volunteer co-ordinators meet on a regular basis and are proactive in ensuring that volunteers are trained to the required standards. With increased participation levels, we have contributed to the skill development of our volunteers on training courses such as:

Adult Support & Protection ASIST Baby & Child First Aid BabySounds Car Seat Training Children Affected by Substance Misuse Dementia Friends Equality & Diversity First Aid/Basic Life Support Gender Based Violence WRAP Training Healthy Valleys Volunteer Induction Healthy Weaning Infant Massage Inspiring Confidence in Young People Introduction to Counselling Leadership Mental Health First Aid Mindfulness REHIS Practical Cooking Train the Trainer Second Hand Smoke Self Harm Awareness Healthy Valleys Project Role Specific Volunteer Training Walk a Mile Training

26 additional training courses were offered compared to last year.

34 107 1018 1113 43 Volunteers Hours of training Beneficiaries Training courses attended completed supported provided training

84% 48% 30% 153% increase increase increase increase

“Healthy Valleys offers excellent training opportunities for us. I have been offered much more than I expected.”

Other tangible benefits for volunteers include improvements in self-esteem, health and wellbeing.

During the year, there has been a substantial increase in the recruitment of volunteers compared to the previous year (64%). Various factors contributed to this increase - the engagement of volunteer co-ordinators to specific projects, successful recruitment campaigns such as “Spring into Volunteering” and the increased usage of social media.

Approximately 50% of volunteers recruited over the last two years continue to support our projects. At Healthy Valleys we are able to offer one-to-one support meetings, regular team building events and recognising and rewarding volunteer’s support which all go towards being able to retain our volunteers.

“Volunteering helps me feel “Gives me a sense of purpose and I worthwhile and useful. I have enjoy helping others. Volunteering discovered that my skills are makes me feel worthy and has transferrable. I feel appreciated and improved my self-esteem and being part of something worthwhile confidence.” that helps others.” Healthy Valleys Volunteer Healthy Valleys Volunteer

35 Volunteer Case Study

I began volunteering with the Time Out Project in September 2014. I had just started a diploma course in CBT counselling with the Centre of Therapy in Glasgow, and I was looking for a suitable placement within rural South Lanarkshire where I live. I met with the Development Worker and she told me about the range of events and activities that Healthy Valleys organise in order to support young people living with, or at risk of, mental health issues. To date (Feb 2016) I have offered one to one CBT counselling sessions to nine young adults and I have delivered a total of 78 counselling hours.

This has been of huge benefit for me in meeting the requirements of my course.

I have been very impressed with the support that the young people receive from the project. For example, a 16 year old male with low mood who was very isolated and presented with a high suicide risk. I immediately informed the Development Worker who took action to ensure that a support network and action plan was in place for him. I am pleased to report that 8 months later this young man had turned his life around and is now pursuing a training course in counselling skills. I believe that the support from the project was instrumental in helping him to achieve this.

I have also had the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills through the project by attending training in self harm and adult support and protection. This all counts towards my Continuing Professional Development as a therapist.

In terms of my personal wellbeing, volunteering with the Time Out Project has helped me to feel more connected to my local community in the Clyde Valley. Although I have lived here for four years, my working life has always been based in the Glasgow area. Through the project I have made new connections with other events and voluntary organisations in this area. I have taken part in a yoga class and a singing class with the project, which I enjoyed so much that I am now planning to take this further once I have finished my studies.

My confidence and self-esteem has improved a great deal since working with Healthy Valleys; a big part of this is due to the support, encouragement and positive feedback I have received from the Development Worker. It can be quite isolating working on your own as a counsellor, but I am kept informed of steering group meetings, volunteer meetings and training events. Although I cannot always attend due to other commitments, I do feel that I am a very valued member of the team. I also feel that my views are taken into account in terms of the delivery of the project, which is really important to me.

I am very proud of being part of the Time Out project. I am always telling other people about it. I even managed to recruit one of my course colleagues who is also now doing his counselling placement with the project. He loves it as much as I do!

36 Priority 3 - Organisational Development and Sustainability

What do we mean by Sustainability? “A sustainable future is one in which a healthy environment, economic prosperity and social justice are pursued simultaneously to ensure the well-being and quality of life of present and future generations. Education is crucial to attaining that future.” (Learning for a Sustainable Future - Teacher Centre)

Healthy Valleys continues to work towards its Organisational priorities at the same time as pursuing operational development activities. It is recognised that the Organisation has grown and it continues to diversify, this in turn puts pressure on existing physical environments and resources. The following areas are currently being addressed to enable organisational development and sustainability. These include:

Rural Centre for Children and Families It is important that Healthy Valleys operates from a ‘fit for purpose’ building and accessible location which provides improved access for communities and a conducive working environment. The rural community has expressed that they would benefit more from the services of the Organisation if they had access to a community facility e.g. meeting space, training rooms, childcare, community kitchen/café.

In response to community need, the premises working group continues to work in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council and others to purchase a site in Lanark for re-development.

Partnership working Partnership working is key to any successful organisation. Healthy Valleys cannot and does not work in isolation but continues to develop and build new working relationships for the benefit of the wider community. This approach brings its own challenges but with the skills and experience within the team we manage to achieve more collectively than we would as a single operation.

Transport Recognising transport is an issue in the rural area, we still intend to purchase or lease a suitable vehicle which will reduce barriers to community engagement and participation. However, safe storage and maintenance continues to be a challenge. When these matters are resolved this work priority will be developed.

Staff Development and Training In addition to 1:1 support and supervision sessions, each staff member has a personal development plan. Board members also undertake training and development opportunities.

Some of the training undertaken this year includes: Adult Support & Protection Baby & Child First Aid Cascading Leadership Dementia Friends Emergency First Aid/Basic Life Support Gender Based Violence Making Father Figures in Early Years Mental Health First Aid Mindfulness REHIS Food & Health REHIS Food Hygiene REHIS Practical Cooking Train the Trainer Self Harm Awareness Walk a Mile 37 Healthy Valleys is a Company Limited by Guarantee No: 246145 and is a recognised Scottish Charity No: SC034253

Healthy Valleys, 31 Stuart Terrace, Rigside, Lanark, ML11 9NN Tel: 01555 880666 [email protected] www.healthyvalleys.org.uk