LIVE Borders has secured funding for the establishment of creative writing groups for wellbeing in three Scottish Borders libraries.

Creative Scotland and the NHS Joint Health Improvement Team will fund the creative writing project to support people experiencing mental health issues.

Initially, the Connected and Creative Communities Service at Live Borders will launch groups in Eyemouth, Galashiels, and Hawick in September.

With potential for further venues to be added if there is a demand.

Currently, there are few community-based groups in the Borders for people who wish to support their mental health using writing for wellbeing.

Therefore, it is hoped the launch of this project will be a boost in terms of local service provision.

Groups will meet on a regular basis and will be supported by a writing facilitator who will lead the free creative writing sessions.

The project will celebrate the positive health impacts and benefits that writing can give individuals.

And will be of particular benefit to people who are experiencing issues with their mental health; young people who may be experiencing bullying or have chaotic home lives; and people who are feeling lonely or isolated.

Allyson McCollam, Associate Director of Public Health, said: “We are delighted to have been successful in bidding for this funding with Live Borders and to be able to expand the provision for creative writing for wellbeing in the Borders.

“Research has shown the beneficial impact that reading and creative writing can have on mental health and wellbeing and we know it can help in many ways, such as expressing thoughts and feelings, releasing anxiety and stress and enhancing mood.”

Following on from the sessions, participants will be encouraged to submit their work to the Live Borders Eildon Tree Community Writing Magazine which is published twice a year.

Julia Cawthorne, Assistant Librarian at Live Borders added: “As a charity focusing on making our communities healthier, happier and stronger, we recognise the importance of projects such as the Creative Writing for Wellbeing Project.

“We are delighted to have been successful in securing this funding and our teams will be working hard to make the project sustainable in the longer term.”

The Creative Writing for Wellbeing Project starts in September 2019.

All writing sessions are available to anyone and referrals will be welcomed from partner agencies including Health and Social Care, Health in Mind, and SBC Community Learning and Development.