Keeping Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Thrive Welcome Teams offer a drop-in service for anyone who’s struggling with their mental health - no referral needed.

There are Welcome Team drop-ins across the capital, open at different times during the week.

In this bonus episode of Keeping Edinburgh, Gus Harrower learns how the teams help to make mental health support more accessible and approachable.

Each Thrive Welcome Team is made up of experienced mental health practitioners with a range of professional backgrounds. They’ll give you a warm welcome, and put you and your needs at the centre of your support.

The teams can see people aged 18 to 64. If you’re unable to attend a drop-in (due to work commitments or difficulty getting out), you can also ask your GP for a referral.

For more information about the Keeping Edinburgh podcasts, please visit: www.edinburghhsc.scot/moregooddays

This episode is produced by Katie Revell for Bespoken Media.

Everyone expresses themselves in different ways - some of us with words, some by the way we dress - but lots of people in Edinburgh increase their wellbeing by enjoying the arts - music, theatre, painting, and lots more.

This episode of Keeping Edinburgh is all about organisations and people who, in different ways, are Keeping Edinburgh... Creative.

Featuring Strangetown, a theatre company for young people, North Edinburgh Arts' Art for Grown-Ups sessions, and Out of Sight, Out of Mind from CAPS Independent Advocacy. Scotland’s biggest mental health art exhibition.

For more information about the Keeping Edinburgh podcasts, please visit: www.edinburghhsc.scot/moregooddays

Following on from our 'Keeping Edinburgh Creative' episode, host Gus Harrower talks with Dr Linda Irvine Fitzpatrick of the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership about why spaces and groups for creativity are so important for wellbeing.

Having space and time to get together, to talk through problems with people who empathise, and to ask for help when it's needed.

All this is vital support, and part of what it means to be part of a thriving community.

For this episode of Keeping Edinburgh, Gus Harrower meets three organisations who offer this space and support in our city.

The Edinburgh Carers Council offers peer-led support and advocacy to people who provide unpaid care for family members.

MILAN Senior Welfare Organisation supports older people and unpaid carers particularly from Edinburgh's South Asian communities.

With People Know How, Gus attends a session at the Easter Road stadium, set up to coach people in using computers, phones and other technology, as part of improving wellbeing and overcoming barriers.

For more information about the Keeping Edinburgh podcasts, please visit: www.edinburghhsc.scot/moregooddays

Host Gus Harrower talks with Dr Linda Irvine Fitzpatrick of the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership about why spaces and groups to talk, share and seek support from peers are so important.

Each episode of Keeping Edinburgh is accompanied by its own 'Wee Bit More' chat between Gus and Linda - offering additional context and background to the series.

We can all go through tough times, so it's vital to know people and organisations in the capital will lend a hand when it's needed.

From donations of appliances and furniture for someone at risk of homelessness, to a nutritious and comforting meal, Gus Harrower visits places and organisations that are playing a part in Keeping Edinburgh Going.

Featured in this episode:

Fresh Start helps people who've experienced homelessness to set up their new home, by offering furniture, fixtures, or anything they need. They work to end the cycle of homelessness for people living in poverty. Their website's 'contact us' page is here, or they can be reached at 01314767741 or [email protected].

The Ripple Project at Restalrig and its Hub Grub Cafe The Ripple Community Cafe, Restalrig, offers freshly-made, nutritious and affordable meals, as well as support, activities and opportunities. The Ripple's community food and development worker, Ayesha, can be reached at [email protected].

The Ripple Project is just one of dozens of community cafes all over the city, that all provide good value, nutritious food. Many are supported by Edinburgh Community Food and Cyrenian’s Fareshare Programme.

Gate 55 is a bustling community centre in Sighthill where a range of activities are held across the week, including Edinburgh Community Food holiday clubs.

For more information about the Keeping Edinburgh podcasts, please visit: www.edinburghhsc.scot/moregooddays

Host Gus Harrower talks with Dr Linda Irvine Fitzpatrick from Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership about the people and organisations featured in Keeping Edinburgh episode 4 - 'Keeping Edinburgh Going'. We also hear in this episode from Edinburgh Community Food's Jo Howie.

Each episode of Keeping Edinburgh is accompanied by its own 'Wee Bit More' chat between Gus and Linda - offering additional context and background to the series.

Discover how getting outdoors and in green spaces can supercharge both your body and mind.

Gus Harrower explores ways green spaces and parks can benefit individual wellbeing, bring people closer to nature, and help them to be more connected to their communities.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy our latest audio journey. And stay listening right to the end - for a special sneak peek into the extraordinary benefits of ecotherapy.

Featured in this episode:

Redhall walled garden - an 18th Century walled garden where mental health charity SAMH offers training in horticulture, conservation, maintenance skills, ICT and life skills for people with mental health problems. [email protected]

Gracemount community garden and the Scran Academy Scran Van

Ecotherapy in the west of Edinburgh with community organisation Health All Round

For more information about the podcasts, please visit: www.edinburghhsc.scot/moregooddays

Host Gus Harrower talks with Dr Linda Irvine Fitzpatrick of Thrive Edinburgh about why Keeping Edinburgh Green is important.

Each episode of Keeping Edinburgh is accompanied by its own 'Wee Bit More' chat between Gus and Linda - offering additional context and background to the series.

It's no secret that exercise keeps us physically fit - but did you know it can also improve our mental health, quality of life, and overall wellbeing?

Host Gus Harrower meets groups and organisations in Edinburgh that are working to make exercise more accessible and inclusive for everyone, including those facing personal challenges.

By the end of the episode, you'll realise: when it comes to getting active, there is something out there for everybody.

Featured in this episode:

Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust - use this online contact form or call 0131 445 4025

Streetfit Scotland - use this online contact form

Edinburgh Leisure - contact details and online contact form

For more information about the podcasts, please visit: www.edinburghhsc.scot/moregooddays