A new support group, set up to tackle depression, anxiety and stress in a north-east town, has said it is committed to helping people talk about their problems.
The Why Suffer In Silence listening network will give residents in Fraserburgh the opportunity to drop in and share their feelings with trained listeners.
The group has been established by local man Paul Greenall and will meet every Friday evening at the JIC building on Albert Street.
Last night, Mr Greenall argued listening services can have a positive effect on people who are struggling with mental health conditions.
He said: “I have been involved with a range of different voluntary listening support services throughout my life and it is something I have a great passion for.
“Unfortunately, you have to travel some distance now if you want to be involved in any specific support groups. Because of funding and other reasons, they are getting smaller and smaller.”
Mr Greenall, who is chairing a committee of seven, hopes the organisation can become a registered charity within the next three months.
All the trained listeners have undergone the relevant protecting vulnerable groups checks. And further training will be made available to the volunteers.
Mr Greenall added: “As a group, we are there for anybody that feels they want to just drop in, if they feel comfortable, want to share something, or talk about something that’s bothering them.
“Just to be heard can make all the difference. All the people I have spoken to seem to have one thing in common; namely, there is not enough time to be heard and it is easier to just give them a tablet.”
The group – which will meet at the JIC in Fraserburgh every Friday night between 7 and 9pm – is now looking to establish a permanent base and work to develop a telephone and email listening service.
