A Unique Service

  • Reachout provides an equal, safe & friendly environment for anyone with experience of mental health difficulties to get involved in a wide spectrum of arts activities as a means of positive self-expression, self-development, creative exploration, communication and support. Reachout is self managed by members, giving them a sense of ownership and commitment is a significant factor in Reachout’s success.
  • Reachout engages its participants by building confidence and self-esteem as well as providing a sense of purpose. Participants learn new skills, build on dormant abilities and enjoy the transforming nature of arts participation in a non-clinical environment. There are a wide range of opportunities to engage with the public through exhibitions, performances, outreach presentations & mental health awareness training and Open Day’s which not only raise awareness of mental health issues but also give the participants an opportunity to redefine themselves as artists, making a positive contribution within their community and locally, nationally and internationally.
  • Both Reachout monitoring & Independent research has shown that participants have reported an enhanced ability to cope with everyday life and make informed choices, as well as regaining control of their lives through a positive sense of recovery and wellbeing
  • Self-help drop-in open 5 days per week
  • Access to the creative & expressive arts and creative industry professionals
  • Reachout is unique within Forth Valley and over 17 years has developed and an innovative model of support using the creative arts as a route to recovery
  • Mutual aid from ‘peer tutors’ & members, “valuing what each person does” is a crucial and much valued element
  • ‘Peer Mentoring Group’ recruit & train volunteering opportunities and individual personal development training
  • Creative confidence building workshops and activities encourage ‘job readiness’ and support into Transistional Employment through partnerships in the community
  • Support to creatively record ‘creative journey’ testimonies of recovery via digital animation, video diaries, DVD slideshows & individual member’s portfolios