KincardinePillar 1 – Recovery in Mind
We offer supported, welcoming groups and activities in which people feel safe and which help to:
Pillar 2 – Minds at Work
We provide well-supported, effective opportunities for volunteering to:
Pillar 3 – Speaking Our Minds
We aim to reduce the stigma around mental ill-health by working in partnership with others to:
Pillar 4 – Young Minds
Working in partnership with local schools, we aim to improve young people and children's knowledge and understanding of:
The range of groups, events and activities organised by Pillar staff introduces members to different ways of looking after their mental health and wellbeing, offers opportunities to meet new people from other organisations and community groups and to folk living in the area. Talking to people who have been through similar challenges can help people to:
For more information about what's on when, see our Monthly Programme.
Studies have found that even just one session of allotment gardening can contribute significantly to improvements in mental as well as physical health with reductions in tension, depression, anger and confusion, greater self-esteem and enhanced enjoyment of life.
"Although I manage to work, sustain relationships and experience periods of good mental health I value knowing that Pillar is there for me, offering me somewhere to turn to when things are getting too heavy." Ernie, Pillar Member
Tuesdays are very important to us, we meet and eat with each other, cook together using the produce we grow in our allotment, welcome new members, participate in structured gentle exercise, hear about local events and contribute to planning our service.
It helps to speak to other people who have been through similar challenges about how we feel and what we experience, and to know that we are not alone in the way we feel. We experience a sense of belonging to a community, have come to understand how common mental health problems are in our area, and believe that everyone experiencing them deserves support.
Visits and outings benefit Pillar members through the companionship and stimulation enjoyed in these group activities which involve occasional visits to theatres, cinemas etc but also exploring new and interesting places in Aberdeenshire and beyond. Because such outings are relatively infrequent they often have a special and memorable significance for the individuals who participate.
"I was so desperate that one day in our local doctor's surgery I looked around the room and found a flyer on the wall for Pillar. Little did I know how my life was going to change!" Wendy, Pillar Member
Monday - our morning health walk is such a great way to kick start the week, it's something to get up for, to get out and get some fresh air, speak to people, see what's going on around us and take exercise that's achievable. Porty Paths, for example, is a short, safe, social, fun, accessible, low level walk led by trained leaders around Portlethen, followed by a cuppa and a blether.
About Pillar...
"I have just registered with them and I was so happy to finally find a service that can help me. I have a long term health condition with chronic fatigue so as you can imagine my mood can get very low in dark days. I feel if you have cancer or MS etc., there is specialised services available for these illnesses but nothing specific for what I suffer from. I have been made to feel so welcome by all the staff and other members and felt happy that I found a safe place to talk and feel understood." Carol, Pillar Member
Feel free to ask about our services using the form below, or contact us by telephone or email. You should normally hear back within 3 working days.
Please download the appropriate referral form using the links below, then send your completed form to us by email or post. You should normally hear back within 5 working days.
