Jean's Bothy open day in Helensburgh is hailed as a success

Community members were invited along to Jean’s Bothy in East King Street on Friday, April 26 to register their interest in using the services on offer.

The hub, which officially opened near the end of 2018, provides a meeting place for people who may be at risk of becoming isolated from their community, and is a place for members to increase their confidence, skills and meet others through friendship, events, activities and volunteering.

The centre supports a wide range of vulnerable people and has been warmly welcomed in the town after successful partnership working by the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), Enable Scotland, The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and The Third Sector Interface (TSI).

Donald MacKinnon, team leader for the Helensburgh Community Mental Health Team for the HSCP, said: “The centre is a much-needed health and wellbeing community asset for Helensburgh and Lomond residents.

“I am really pleased with the progress of Jean’s Bothy since officially opening.

“The centre members and activities have significantly increased along with a wide range of opportunities being developed.

“The centre is providing vital mental health services to support some of the most vulnerable people in the local and surrounding communities.”

Julie Cameron, adult social services team lead for the HSCP, also explained the benefits of the new centre.

She added: “The centre seeks to address people’s needs in a more holistic way and encourages people to connect to non-clinical support services in their local community for problems like debt, loneliness, relationship breakdown or caring responsibilities.

“Referrals are received from GPs, support agencies and self-referral is very much welcomed.”

To find out more information about the hub, search on Facebook for ‘Jean’s Bothy, Helensburgh’.