Thursday October 2nd 2025
Lochcarron of Scotland team receiving the NHS Borders' Creating Hope Award
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
The world’s leading manufacturer of tartan is the latest Borders business to throw its weight behind a bid to promote good mental health.
NHS Borders’ Creating Hope Awards scheme is open to any group, organisation or place in the region that wishes to sign up to show that they are committed to being a Mentally Healthy and Suicide Safer Community.
The awards scheme aims to engage local groups and organisations in promoting good mental health.
In the Borders, 28 organisations have already signed up, with Selkirk-based Lochcarron of Scotland amongst the latest.
It comes on the eve of next week’s World Mental Health Day, on Friday, October 10, with the theme this year being ‘access to services’.
This highlights the importance of everyone knowing about resources that are available to help us keep ourselves well and how to access services for additional help should we need it.
The awards scheme includes free training that is open to any group or organisation in the Borders.
The training has helped make communities more well informed and confident so that they can either help people directly who might be struggling or signpost them to the most appropriate services available.
Steph MacKenzie, Health Improvement Specialist at NHS Borders, said:
“We are delighted to have so many Borders clubs and organisations now dedicated to creating more welcoming, friendly and inclusive communities that promote good mental health.
“In the last few weeks, we have welcomed Lochcarron of Scotland in Selkirk, Cheviot Youth, Borders Community Action and Eastgate Theatre in Peebles into the Creating Hope Awards scheme.
“This is the only awards scheme of its kind in Scotland and it has been developed with local Borders’ people with lived experience. For World Mental Health Day we’d like to invite more groups, organisations , teams and businesses to sign up.
“This year’s theme is a good reminder for us to familiarise ourselves with where to turn if we are struggling and need help to stay well mentally.
“This year’s theme is a good reminder for us to familiarise ourselves with where to turn if we are struggling and need help to stay well mentally. For example, you may consider getting in touch with our Wellbeing Service or visiting the Information Stations for Mental Health and Wellbeing drop-in service at local What Matters Hubs across the Borders. There is also more urgent help available if you are having a difficult time and your feelings are too much to handle.”
To find out more go to: https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/creating-hope/creating-hope-awards/
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