Kilmarnock writers tackle stigma of mental illness
THE creative writing group at Kilmarnock’s Morven Day Services this week celebrated the launch of their glossy booklet ‘I’m Still Me’ – the culmination of six months of hard work.
The 32-page publication – being distributed free with this week’s Kilmarnock Standard – includes 41 poems and short stories dealing with mental ill-health and the stigma surrounding it.
The booklet was funded by a £5000 grant from the ‘See Me’ campaign, a Scotland-wide initiative to end the stigma of mental ill-health.
The foreword was written by Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP Cathy Jamieson.
Tuesday’s launch party included some of the writers reading their work.
Contributor Martin said: “This book is all about us as individuals.”
His fellow writer Anne said: “We hope the book will tackle mental health stigma head on.”
The creative writing group is one of the activities provided by Morven Day Service which aims to offer a range of quality day services accessible to people with mental health problems in East Ayrshire.
The service is based behind Kilmarnock’s North West Health Centre.
Funded by East Ayrshire Council, it is run by CrossReach, the social care arm of the Church of Scotland.
