AN INITIATIVE designed to encourage people to open up about mental health challenges has received a cash boost.

Keep The Heid North Berwick has received £3,300 funding from North Berwick Coastal Area Partnership (NBCAP).

The good cause was launched in Haddington in 2021 and has spread to both North Berwick and Tranent.

Free weekly sessions begin with a cup of tea and a chat before those in attendance are offered the chance to take part in a short mindfulness meditation. A volunteer then shares something that has affected their mental health that week. The discussion, facilitated by a mental health professional, is then opened for anyone to share, or just to listen.

Hilary Smith, chair of NBCAP said: “North Berwick Coastal are delighted to support this community resource, which helps to address the area partnership’s priorities of reducing isolation and loneliness and providing much-needed support for those in our community living with mental health issues.”

Keep The Heid mental health cafes offer people a safe space to talk about mental health problems – there are others in Haddington and Tranent.

The North Berwick cafe meets at The Hope Rooms on Thursday evenings from 7pm and anyone aged over 16 is welcome.

Emma Jackson, founder of the group, said: “We operate in a context where GP surgeries experience exceptionally high levels of people presenting with mental health problems.

“Mental health charity Mind found that 40 per cent of all appointments relate to mental health.  

“There were 753 probable suicides in Scotland in 2021.

“Statistics are not available for the number of attempted suicides.

“We are extremely grateful for this award.”

For more information on the cafe, see its Facebook page.