The initiative encourages people with mental health conditions to tell their stories

A project that helps people with long-term mental health conditions share their stories has been awarded £214,000 from a national fund.

The Scottish Recovery Network’s Write to Recovery initiative explores the power of people telling their own story.

Through group work and a specially designed online story-sharing tool, the project gives people the opportunity to share experiences, skills and ideas around how to manage and improve their wellbeing.

The project has now been awarded £214,000 across three years from the Transforming Self Management in Scotland Fund, administered by Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland.

Creating and taking control of your story can let you see just how many challenges and obstacles you have overcome along the way

John McCormack of the Scottish Recovery Network said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from the alliance which will allow us to develop Write to Recovery groups and self-management opportunities across Scotland.

“Everyone has a story. For many of us it is a journey of ups and downs. Creating and taking control of your story can let you see just how many challenges and obstacles you have overcome along the way.

“It provides the opportunity to identify your strengths and ultimately work towards living the life you want.”

Ian Welsh, chief executive of the alliance, added: “We look forward to working with SRN to realise the outcomes of the project and share the learning that is uncovered.

“The project will play a significant role, together with the other funded projects, in supporting the continued transformation of self management across Scotland and within the communities who will be engaged with the project.”