A PARTNERSHIP project between Scottish Borders Council’s Local Area Co-ordination (LAC) Team and the Abbotsford Trust has supported 21 adults from the central Borders with their mental health and wellbeing.

THRIVE was first set up as a short pilot project in 2021 to support local people who had been affected by the pandemic, focussing on wellbeing, employability and improved mental health.

The Trust then secured further funding through the Eildon Neighbourhood Support Fund to run a second series of sessions from January-June 2023.

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Working in small groups, participants took part in a range of practical activities over the course of seven weeks.

This gave them an insight into each work area as well as hands-on experience through a range of taster activities, including: practical activities in the gardens and on the estate, working front-of-house in the visitor centre and exploring 'behind the scenes' activities such as digital marketing and visitor interpretation.

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Councillor Tom Weatherston, Executive Member for Social Work and Community Enhancement said: “The partnership between the Abbotsford Trust and our LAC Team on the THRIVE project has delivered an exciting opportunity to those who have or have had mental health issues which have impacted on their lives and left them feeling socially isolated.

"Overall, the feedback received from participants has been very positive with THRIVE offering them experiences which many felt they would never have had otherwise.

"As well as gaining insight into what is involved in being a volunteer at Abbotsford, they have developed a range of other transferable skills. Some are continuing to volunteer at Abbotsford while others have gained the confidence to look at taking on volunteering roles in the wider local community.

"Of particular benefit have been the friendships and connections that have developed through a shared interest in the project, an outcome that has been invaluable in helping participants to feel less isolated."

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Mary Kenny, Heritage Engagement Officer at the Abbotsford Trust said: "It has been a pleasure to work with all the participants, both on the pilot project and the current stage of the THRIVE project - to have the privilege of seeing and hearing first hand that the individuals involved have felt a positive impact.

"We all deserve to have good mental health, and I am proud to work in an organisation which supports taking positive and practical action with that aim in mind. I hope we can continue this valuable work in the future."