A new approach for developing mental health support in Moray has been celebrated at a national event.
The Making Recovery Real scheme put personal experiences at the heart of help and was piloted in the region with a series of events.
The approach aims to help users by sharing stories of people who have recovered from difficulties locally and what differences it has made to their life.
The initiative, which was launched in 2015, also involved charities and public sector organisations, has now been praised by the Scottish Recovery Network at an event in Edinburgh as an example to follow.
The project has led to the establishment of the Moray Wellbeing Hub in Elgin town centre, which has grown from just eight members when it opened in 2017 to more than 220 today.
Other improvements as part of a 10-year plan have included a series of 13 conversation events in rural areas and the creation of a team of mental health workers to work in GP practices in Moray.
Chris Ritchie, director of the Moray Wellbeing Hub, explained the project has helped the centre influence changes being made elsewhere.
He said: “The difference it has made in my life has been massive because I went from the state of being a zombie to somebody who can contribute to the community and make a real difference.
“People who make strategic decisions listen to us and values our opinions and that’s because with the help of the Scottish Recovery Network we talk the same language.”
