Samaritans Scotland’s West Highlands and Skye Project ran from 2021-2024, following research conducted on our behalf in 2017/18 exploring the lived experience of people in the West Highlands.
This research showed that stigma around mental health, a lack of awareness of support available, and how to access support were key barriers to help-seeking in the area. In outlining these barriers, we were able to identify a way forward.
By working in partnership with local organisations, employers, and communities, the West Highlands and Skye Project allowed us to raise awareness of Samaritans support and services.
Through awareness raising and encouraging conversations about help-seeking, support, access to services, and how employers and communities could identify and support others who may be experiencing emotional crisis, we could help to break down these barriers.
As part of the project, we carried out fully funded community and employer training workshops, for example, our ‘Conversations with Vulnerable People’ course that aims to support people in engaging safely, effectively, and confidently with vulnerable people and people who may be in emotional crisis.
The evaluation of our work on the project found an increased awareness and engagement in the range of Samaritans services and support opportunities in the area.
Our continued work in the West Highlands and Skye includes our volunteer outreach work, and our presence and support at key events such as the Black Isle Show, Oban Pride, and other community events.