Support for Angus mental health groups

Mr Dey dropped in on Mum & Me Angus in Arbroath and the High-5 Club Monifieth.

Mum & Me is a long-term nurturing support group. Based in the halls of St Andrews Church, with enough room for the mums to work on their projects, the children to have plenty of space to play, and a kitchen where lunch is prepared. They provide support to mums who have mental health issues, feel isolated in the community or perceive that society places high expectations on them and fear that they will fail.

The High-5 Club is a youth club which meets at Monifieth Parish Church and takes into account the specific needs of young people with High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome.

Mr Dey spoke with Kim Marr of Mum & Me and and Karen Morton from the High-5 Club about how parents’s mental health can be better supported.

He said: “The mental health of parents can have a huge impact on families, and it is essential that we raise awareness of the organisations available to offer support. I would recommend that any parents in need of support look into what is on offer locally.”

He added: “It was very encouraging to hear how the groups adapted during the pandemic to continue their support, and how they have continued to flourish since.”

Parent Mental Health Day encourages understanding and awareness of the importance of the family as a system where parent and carer mental health is as important a focus as young people’s mental health. This year’s theme is #BuildFamilyResistance which will aim to explore how family resilience can be built, minimising negative impact on either the parents and carers or their children and young people.

Carol Ramsay, Mum & Me chairperson, said: “The feedback I have received from the mums we support has been overwhelming. It is great to know that the group makes such a difference to both the life of the parents and the children.”