Borders Care Voice
Funding
The generous funding we received helped us to organise and present another very successful Inspiring Life event. We have grown from Inspiring Life Day to Inspiring Life Festival which ran during the month of May and ended in Mental Health Awareness week. This year we had over 300 participants!
This is our main event, highlighting mental health, suicide awareness, and challenging stigma. We offer sign posting and advice for those who need it. With involvement and commitment from other charities and services we are part of an important support network in our community.
Our event offered taster workshops, many at no cost , to individuals in our community. We work to reach out to those who are hoping to find activities that will help improve mental health and well being. What we offered was creative exploration where, through the arts, health, well-being , and the power of conversation came together. This year’s theme ‘difficult conversations’ was explored through music, drama, movement, and spoken word. We brought people together to share stories and to support each other. Peer support is invaluable at a time where waiting lists and restricted services create more anxiety and worry for many.
As our event grows and becomes more well known, I am heartened by the number of people who want to become involved and offer help. There was no financial incentive for some and they were driven by their own kindness and humanity.
For example, volunteers from the Eastgate Theatre, who would normally be working as ushers or at the box office, came along to our Pies and Patter Social. They served food, offered tea and coffee and did a wonderful job of helping with the clearing up. They also participated in the activities and discussions.
At our events, representatives from other charities take part: Recovery Café, See Me, Nomad Beat, Grief Café, Dementia Group. It is all about inclusivity.
Our programme has certainly been enhanced with a wider range of events, facilitators and expertise. We were able to fund professionals to lead our workshops and through collaboration with The Eastgate Theatre had a film screening and a theatre performance.
Additional support with funding also allows for more than ‘one off’ events. We could encourage lead up workshops and also participation in follow up activities. For example, someone who was interested in improvisation but could not afford the weekly classes now receives financial support to attend. I also know that the dance teacher, Sara Boles has made private arrangements for those struggling financially to attend her classes.
For individuals who need financial help, our charity receives applications for donations.
As mentioned above, collaboration with The Eastgate Theatre has been invaluable. The new manager and his team bring fresh ideas and a clear understanding of community needs.
We also enjoy the support, involvement, and participation of organisations available in our community throughout the year: Andy’s Man Club, local dance schools, Community Music School, SoBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide), See Me, Recovery Café, Movement For All ( Parkinson’s sufferers), Art therapist, Memory Lane Music (for those with Dementia accompanied by their carers)
The funding we have received gives us the potential and determination to continue to organise Inspiring Life Festival for as long as our (ageing) trustees continue their work and as long as we can work in partnership with other groups in the community.
As our work is publicised, it opens up other sources: For example, Brown Brother’s Garage in Peebles sponsored one event this year.
I found that the funding application process was accessible and I was relieved that help was available to me when needed. One thing that was difficult for me was trying to estimate the costs of an event that was taking place in the following year. When I apply this year, I keep in mind that my charity must hold reserve funds to cover any increase in costs. If anything, this gives me the drive to continue with our own fundraising efforts.
Continuation of the support we have received would be paramount . I was pleased to read that grant applications in future can be made for two years. This would give me such peace of mind and relieve the stress of waiting for news of funding being offered.
Borders Community Action has been a lifeline for us. We are a small charity but it is my feeling that we do make a big impact!
Mental ill health and suicide are difficult but necessary topics to tackle and we know that we are making a difference. We celebrate growth, connection, and positive change.
