A REGIONAL MSP hosted a mental wellbeing information session in Peebles last week.

On Friday, South of Scotland representative Claudia Beamish headed to the Eastgate Theatre to offer advice to constituents.

And she was joined by representatives from a number of organisations to raise the profile of the support available for people struggling with their mental wellbeing, particularly in rural areas.

After the event Ms Beamish told us: "I’d like to thank the Eastgate Theatre for making us so welcome but especially all the representatives who came along and contributed to the day; Walk It Borders, Peebles Citizens Advice, Health in Mind, New Horizons Borders, Addaction, Support in Mind, the National Rural Mental Health Forum and Borders Health and Social Care Partnership.

"These groups each work tirelessly to support people who are struggling with their mental health.

"While poor mental health can affect anyone regardless of their location or demographic, rural living brings its own challenges with poor transport links, limited internet access and often depleted town centres.

"These can lead to increased feelings of isolation. If anyone is struggling, I recommend that they contact any of these groups mentioned where advice and support is available or they will signpost you to an organisation who can help with support broadly to manage challenges.

"We all have mental health to consider and there will be times for most of us when we will struggle but we don’t have to do it alone.

"Contact me at my regional office on 01555 664 065 if you would like details of any of the organisations involved."