Blogs
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.
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 CATS
We wanted to shine a spotlight on a service that celebrates and supports neurodiversity.
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.
Green Health Prescribing with Cyrenians: K
K volunteers at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital Community Gardens with Cyrenians.
Green Health Prescribing with Cyrenians: A
A is currently studying for an MSc in Environmental Protection and volunteers with the Cyrenians Garden Group.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
Embarking on a new journey with Venture Scotland
Hear from Venture Trust about their Journey Programme and the support they offer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.