Mental health and emotional well-being support is to be made available at every GP surgery across Angus – harnessing the expertise of people who have experienced mental ill-health and wellbeing issues themselves.

Angus Health and Social Care Partnership is funding the service that will be delivered by a partnership of local GPs and two third sector organisations, working alongside the existing specialist community mental health teams.

The so-called ‘peer workers’ will provide a range of social, emotional and practical support across up to three sessions to anyone referred to the service by their GP team.

Bill Troup, Head of Community Mental Health Services for Angus HSCP, says people who have already been through challenges themselves are well-qualified to support others:

“People with lived experience of mental health distress bring a unique insight which can help people understand they are not alone and give them hope that they will recover.

“This is an additional service for people who are struggling with life’s challenges which complements the contribution that health professionals provide.

“All our services in Angus will work together to assist us to become more recovery focused and person-centred.”

Angus Health and Social Care Partnership has arranged for service to be delivered by Penumbra in South Angus and Hillcrest Futures in North Angus.

Bulletin – Sign up for all the latest news and events.

Supporters – If you can help support our reporting for Scotland's health and social care community, please head to our donations page.