WEE County residents can share their experiences of caring for someone with a mental health problem through Time and Space.

For carers who might be finding life a little difficult the pilot project – which runs in Clackmannanshire and Stirling – can offer much needed support and the chance for them to focus on their own well-being.

Funded by the Big Lottery – and managed by the Mental Health Foundation in partnership with Action in Mind – it provides those caring for someone with a mental health problem the opportunity to speak about what they are going through.

It does so via its unique one-to-one ‘peer mentor’ system whereby carers are paired up with a listening ear.

Explaining the approach, peer support volunteer coordinator, Dr Iain MacDonald, said: “The whole idea about peer support is to complement the relationship you may have with professional services; whether it be your GP, whether it be social services, whether it be a community psychiatric nurse.

“This is about meeting someone on your level; it’s about meeting someone who is going through the same experiences as you’re going through. So it’s people who have been carers for someone with a mental health problem.

“The whole idea about peer support per say, in any sector, is lived experience. So they might not have a professional qualification, they’re not counsellors, they’re not psychologists, but they do have something precious and that is their experience and a perspective that you can share.” Originally launched last year, the project is just coming out of the development phase.

Anyone who wants to use Time and Space will be matched with a peer mentor – someone living locally who has experience of helping an individual with a mental health problem – who feels they can offer support.

Those who would like to use the service, and volunteers who want to become mentors, are being invited to get in touch to become part of the next step.

The set-up will be informal and those who become mentors will receive full training.

People will be matched using criteria such as personality, experiences, mutual interests and age.

After being paired up, they will be able to arrange to meet – it might be over coffee, every week, or once a fortnight – at a time that is convenient for both for a relaxed chat.

You don’t have to live with someone with a mental health problem to access the service either, you simply need to be offering care or support.

The project focuses on helping those who may be feeling isolated by their situation.

It aims to address a gap – those who take on a caring role for someone with a mental health problem.

Dr MacDonald added: “It’s the people that might be a wee bit forgotten about. In many ways they’re the ones that are hurt most, in some senses, by that person’s mental health problem because their own life gets put on hold.

“We’re about addressing that and trying to get them back on track, which ultimately should help them in their own relationship with the person they’re caring for. If they’re more satisfied in their life, it will have an knock-on effect on how they treat the person they’re caring for.” Two drop-in sessions will be held at The Hub in Alloa for anyone who would like more information.

There will be refreshments and Dr MacDonald will be able to answer any questions.

Head along on Wednesday 26 August from 6.30-8.30pm, or Tuesday 8 September from noon until 2pm.

Alternatively get in touch on 01786 451203, peermentor@actioninmind.org.uk or iain.macdonald@actioninmind.org.uk