Your stories
Here you will find stories from citizens of Edinburgh about their own experiences of mental health and wellbeing and the different ways they keep well.
By sharing our stories and the different way we thrive, we can learn from each other and inspire one another to take positive steps to look after our mental health and wellbeing.
If you would like us to share your story, please email ithrive@health-in-mind.org.uk.
Blogs
Taking the first step: How Goal Getters helps turn intentions into action
Read how Laurence’s experience inspired Goal Getters! and how small, supported steps can help people make positive changes.
Why the Fringe feels like home
Read Judy’s story of how the Edinburgh Fringe has brought joy, friendship and unforgettable memories over the years.
A quieter way to enjoy the Fringe
Rachel shares what the festivals mean to her, how they can affect her mental wellbeing, and the small things she does before, during and after the Fringe.
Finding balance in the buzz of the Fringe
Kirsty shares her love of the Fringe, from childhood memories to exploring shows as an adult, during one of Edinburgh’s busiest times of year.
When Showing Up Changes Everything
Sally Brooks shares how STAY explores grief, kindness, connection and the unexpected ways we show up for each other.
“We want to give back to our local community – and change the world”
Leith Walk Polisbox is a community pop-up in Edinburgh supporting local entrepreneurs, free events and grassroots projects that help people connect, create and grow.
“Going step by step”: Supporting people into work and education with Access to Industry
We caught up with Susanna from Access to Industry to learn more about their work supporting people to overcome barriers to education and employment.
10 Years of Creative Express: Creativity, connection and a decade of young people’s voices
Creative Express marks 10 years of supporting young people’s wellbeing through creativity in North East Edinburgh – we chat to lead worker April-Wendy.
A chat with VOCAL: Being outdoors “makes you feel good”
Spending time outdoors is a powerful way to keep well and connect. This Green Health Week, VOCAL share how they support carers to spend time in green spaces.
Stress isn’t just in your head: what your body is trying to tell you
We spoke to Murray from Waverley Care to hear about the work they do.
A chat with Kat from Into Work
Into Work supports disabled and neurodivergent people, and those with long-term conditions, to reach goals. Kat shares how they empower autistic jobseekers.
A chat with Autism Initiatives UK
Rachel from Autism Initiatives UK shares how Number 6 One Stop Shop is empowering autistic people to connect, boost their wellbeing and build self-confidence.
Festivals and quiet moments from Debbie
Debbie shares how she balance’s the joy of the season with the need for calm, using self-care, support, and thoughtful planning to make space for both celebration and rest.
Surviving the Fringe: A Guide from Chris Grady
With over four decades of experience in theatre and festivals, Chris Grady has seen it all – the buzz, the burnout, and the beautiful chaos of Edinburgh in August.
Sneaky Beast (A Love Story)
Tana lived with undiagnosed OCD for over a decade. From that turning point came UnTethered, her one-woman show exploring OCD, intimacy, and self-acceptance.
Finding Joy and Grounding: Rachel’s Festival Journey On and Off Stage
Rachel shares how she navigates the Fringe season with care, compassion, and a little help from family, friends, and HelloFresh.
It’s All About Balance: Gary’s Take on Festival Life in Edinburgh
Whether it’s diving into the buzz or stepping back from the crowds, Gary shares his approach to navigating festival season in a way that works for him.
Seeking Stillness: Stewart’s Reflection on Festival Season in Edinburgh
Stewart, who shares his personal reflections on how the festival has changed over the years, the challenges it brings and the simple things that help him find balance.
Finding Calm in the Chaos: Jamie’s Edinburgh Festival Survival Story
Jamie, a local resident shares how he navigates the highs and lows of festival season.
Finding Balance Behind the Pass: Hugh’s Fringe Survival Story
Hugh, a local chef, shares how he’s learned to protect his wellbeing during the busiest month of the year.
A chat with HCL
HcL helps people get to appointments, do their shopping, visit friends or simply enjoy a change of scenery. It is more than just transport. It is a lifeline.
A chat with CATS
We wanted to shine a spotlight on a service that celebrates and supports neurodiversity.
Green Health Prescribing with Cyrenians: A
A is currently studying for an MSc in Environmental Protection and volunteers with the Cyrenians Garden Group.
Green Health Prescribing with Cyrenians: K
K volunteers at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital Community Gardens with Cyrenians.
Melissa
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, Melissa shared her reflections on what “community” means to her.
What community means to SupportED
We spoke to SupportED to find out what ‘community’ means to them this Mental Health Awareness Week’.
A chat with Sporting Memories Scotland
We spoke to Murray from Waverley Care to hear about the work they do.
A chat with Held in our Hearts
We spoke to Murray from Waverley Care to hear about the work they do.
Breaking the Silence: Suicide Prevention Among Polish Men in Scotland
To mark Suicide Prevention Awareness Day we spoke to Feniks.
Scottish Veterans Residences
We spoke to Murray from Waverley Care to hear about the work they do.
A chat with Waverley Care
We spoke to Murray from Waverley Care to hear about the work they do.
Kirsty’s story: 30 years of caring
To mark 30 years of supporting carers, we are sharing stories of carers whose caring journey and time with VOCAL have lasted a long time.
A chat with SupportED
We spoke to Emily from SupportED to hear about they work they do and how she keeps herself well.
Lend a Hand with Edible Estates
Lend a hand is an outdoors volunteering programme designed for people over 50 and out of work.
Reading is Caring with Scottish Book Trust
Scottish Book Trust is a national charity that brings the benefits of reading and writing to everyone in Scotland.
Art in Healthcare and the Room for Art project
We wanted to shine a spotlight on a service that celebrates and supports neurodiversity.
Salvesen Mindroom Centre: “We see a future that values all kinds of minds”
We wanted to shine a spotlight on a service that celebrates and supports neurodiversity.
Embarking on a new journey with Venture Scotland
Hear from Venture Trust about their Journey Programme and the support they offer.
Men’s Mental Health Month with Gordon from Health in Mind
During men’s mental health month we spoke to Gordon from Health in Mind about how he keeps well.
We Are What we Overcome, Matt McGuinness – An Artist’s Story
Hear from Matt McGuinness, about the impact of sharing his story and how he looks after his mental health and wellbeing.
Pretending to Fly by Ashley Adelman – An Artist’s Story
Hear from Ashley Adelman on living through the pandemic in the city that never sleeps and finding solace from a pilot’s story.
THRIVE by Natasha Rea – An Artist’s Story
Hear from Natasha Rea on Bipolar Brenda, Kundalini Yoga and how creativity saved her life.
3 Theatre Skills that Became Life Lessons to Thrive by Lisa Pezik – An Artist’s Story
Hear from Lisa Pezik and what she learned from owning her personal experience and writing and performing a theatre piece.
Seventy-Eight Thank Yous by James Pretlove – An Artist’s Story
Hear from James Pretlove, about his Edinburgh Festival Fringe show, the impact of sharing his story and how he looks after his mental health and wellbeing.
Carers Week with Kate from Shared Care Scotland
During carers week we wanted to shine a spotlight on a service that provides support to carers.
Carers Week with Paulina from Health in Mind
During carers week we wanted to shine a spotlight on a service that provides support to carers.
Anne-Louise
A blog from Anne-Louise on what they do to feel good, keep well and thrive day-to-day.
Hannah
Hannah shares her experience as a peer worker and the benefits of yoga has for your mental health.
‘I thrive by…’ from Nic
A blog from Nic on what they do to feel good, keep well and thrive day-to-day.
#IThrive – what makes you thrive?
We want you to tell us what you do to look after your mental health and wellbeing. What makes you feel good, keeps you well and thrive?
For me:
I thrive by going for a walk
I thrive by dancing to my favourite song in the kitchen
I thrive by calling my friend for a chat after a long day.
We’re calling on all citizens of Edinburgh to get involved.
You can send us your ‘I Thrive by…’ ideas in different formats
- Videos
- Photos
- Writing
Share your ideas:
- on Twitter and Facebook using the hashtag #iThrive
- by emailing us at ithrive@health-in-mind.org.uk
By sending us your contributions you are giving us consent to share them on social media and our iThrive Edinburgh space.
You can also use one of our ‘I Thrive by…’ postcards. Download your own copy to print off below or contact us for a pack.
Your contributions
“Go for walks, grow my own vegetables”
“I go wild swimming and take walks with my dog”
“I knit baby hats”
“Being able to do my radio shows”
“I do online chi flow chi gung tai chi that’s really cheap, go for a walk in park and talk with friends”
“Meditation, journaling, prayer, walks in the woods and prioritising sleep and water”
“I also speak to my friends and family and go for walks when I can. Do some artwork as well to distract my mind”
“I thrive by walking my dog Lacey daily as well as taking thousands of photos of everything!!! and posting on Facebook”
“Music”
“Reading and yoga”
“Spending time outside, spending time with family and friends, spending time with people who inspire me”
“I write poetry to untangle my thoughts and emotions, then I seek thought-provoking conversations with friends or strangers who present new perspectives and new ways of being”
“I walk in woods as often as I can”
“I enjoy connecting with family and friends and eating Jaffa cakes”
“When I manage a team meeting and we all share at the open what we would like to be acknowledged for, regarding anything we are up to or what we are dealing with. It is so heartwarming to see everyone be vulnerable and share themselves and allows me a space to be human too”
“Baking bread”
“I thrive by going up and down Arthurs Seat, hanging out with my plants and watching them thrive with me, exploring new places and dancing to beautiful Scottish trad music!”
“I thrive by spending as much time as possible walking outdoors, mindful colouring and cross-stitching as well as connecting with family and friends.”
“Our crazy rabbits make us laugh”
“Hill walking, volunteering and home gym with online classes!!”
“Art, nature, music and sharing”
“Baking”
“Cycling”
“Going out of the city with a walking group doing woodland and beach walks. Having company in lovely surroundings makes us all feel good.”
“Spending time gardening and with my cats”
“Not watching the news”
“Dancing in the kitchen to loud music to embarrass my kids”
“Myself and some others have created digital stories about our experiences during COVID-19 lockdown”
“Meditation, dancing, spending quality time with family and walking”
“Trampoline jumping”
“I have stopped listening to the Chimp part of my brain which usually kicks in at 3 am”
Where I thrive – where are the places and spaces that keep you well?
We asked you to share photographs of the places that make you thrive.
There are many places and spaces that can make us feel calm, joyful and peaceful. Your special space could be a park, a beach, a cozy chair in your home, or even your back garden.
