New Mental Health Project For Maryport
A new mental health project in west Cumbria is the first of it’s kind in the county.
If you’re struggling with loneliness, isolation or even mental health issues, the antidote can be as simple as a cuppa and a friendly face. The Hug a Mug project is offering a local residents just that. Drop-in sessions, which are held every weekday from 9.30am – 11.30am, provide a safe and welcoming space where people can have a cup of tea or coffee, a custard cream and most importantly, an attentive ear.
The new initiative launched in Maryport five weeks ago county and the Hug a Mug room has already seen over 40 people through the door. Project Manager, Ann-Marie Steel was a nurse before becoming becoming involved in the voluntary sector, she said: “It’s part of the social prescribing idea. It has really taken off in other areas of the country, so there are similar kinds of projects, but there’s nothing in Cumbria at all.”
The scheme came about as part of Ewanrigg Local Trust, a 10 year project set up to improve the local community. Ann-Marie explained: “We’ve been having a lot of engagement with the residents and there was a sense of loneliness, isolation and despair of not knowing where to go to get help. GPs were identifying that they had patients coming to them, when actually it wasn’t a medical issue and they didn’t know where to send them. That’s where the idea for Hug a Mug came from.”
After the local GP surgery provided a room, a number of local businesses offered to help fund its refurbishment. More than 15 companies have donated towards the costs or offered contractors to complete the work. The result is a brand new, comfortable and cosy space, with information packs on hand and access to the internet. Volunteers are trained in mental health awareness, communication and signposting, so are able to point people in the right direction to make the first steps forward.
The sessions have seen response from a mixed demographic, and it is hoped that the initiative will grow to the point of being able to offer schoolchildren a safe space to talk as well. Ann-Marie encourages anyone who is not feeling quite like themselves to make that first move, she said: “It’s strictly confidential, so whatever is said doesn’t leave the room, nobody is judged and you’re treated as an individual. You don’t even need to speak on your first visit, just pop in and see what we’re all about.”
Anyone interested in volunteering for Hug a Mug can contact Ann-Marie on 07493066814
For more information follow @ewanrigglt on Facebook
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