Spring service finds a way to support Midlothian women

The Midlothian Spring Service works with women facing difficulties in life due to having suffered trauma or abuse, mental health and substance misuse, problematic or offending behaviour. When it had to go on hold, staff quickly found ways to continue to offer support and help.

The service is one of a number across Scotland being highlighted by Community Justice Scotland championing the work of groups helping others and spreading some community cheer.

Specialist occupational therapist Louise Paul joined Midlothian Spring Service in February – just before the first Covid restrictions arrived.

She said: “We have had to adapt to the challenge of the coronavirus crisis and rapidly consider a new way of supporting the women with their health and wellbeing.”

Louise started to deliver lunch bags provided by Social Bite to up to 13 women per week and have a socially distanced chat on the doorstep.

She explained “If people are deprived from doing their normal daily routine they’re more likely to slip further into depression or isolation, so I decided to develop an activity pack each week which was wide ranging and included recipes, mindfulness tips, stress management, sleep hygiene and indoor activity ideas.”

Practical activities included seed planting kits, brain teasers, card making, creative writing and calligraphy.

“These were just some of the simple things offered to help with occupying their time and mind in a positive way to feel a bit better,” explained Louise.

“One lady rekindled her passion for poetry again, and another loved the positive affirmation quotes and has put them into a frame.

“Someone else laughed when telling me that the tomato plants are now three foot high with two flowers but is still waiting on a tomato. It is so satisfying when you hear the small difference that the activity packs have made to people’s lives.”

Other projects have included fitness schemes and goodie boxes given out to people using support services.

Rebecca Worrall, head of communications at Community Justice Scotland, said: “To all of our partners who continue to deliver critical services across Scotland, Community Justice Scotland would like to say thank you.

“Adapting to what is a rapidly changing situation whilst often going above and beyond is indicative of your professionalism, and your commitment to our communities.

“We will continue to support you in any way that we can.

“We launched our Community Cheer campaign to shine a spotlight on the incredible work that’s happening across Scotland and show how different groups are continuing to make a huge difference to the lives of others during these challenging times.”

Community Justice Scotland has created a short video which has been shared on social media to highlight the vital support work continuing in communities.