How does this impact on Community Wellbeing? As a Health Visitor I am working I’m deprived local communities, I believe ever increasing isolation impacts on community wellbeing. The vast about of information obtained from the internet has had fundamental impact on the basic need for human interaction. People are increasing isolating themselves within their communities with a loss of neighbour interaction, which is having a negative impact on overall mental health. This is happening in the wider environment but also sadly in child and family interaction. A product of this is social and emotional ill health in the young and the youth. My passion is social inclusion and I often promote this to my families. This is challenging at times however through person centred relationships, I support parents to obtain the confidence in attending local community groups, which helps them to feel valued and connected thus improving mental health and purpose. Why should the Committee focus on this as part of their future work? Increasing community projects. Offering parental/ family volunteers that can support individuals to attend community groups. Often people would like to access services but they don’t have the confidence to do so. I would be grateful and privileged to be a part of the Scottish Government in working to improve community wellbeing. Mental health nurse 10 years with experience in addiction. Currently practicing as a Health Visitor and completing my masters in person centred practice.
I help run an organisation providing brand new uniform clothing & kit needed for the school day, to children living in situations of hardship. We work with the community, the third sector and schools, to help these children gain self confidence, dignity and pride. Poverty is a major factor in blocking full and active social interaction, contributing, I believe, to isolation and poor mental health. Anecdotal evidence suggests we are helping to mitigate that, so focus in this area is critical.
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