In January 2020, Lothian buses picked Support in Mind Scotland to be our Charity of Choice for 2020/21.

This was thanks to awareness of mental health and wellbeing being hugely important to our staff across the business, with them really connecting to the charities ethos and values.

Every year we open the doors of our Central garage to thousands of visitors for a behind the scenes look at Lothian. Due to COVID-19 we have had to make the difficult decision to postpone the event,  however on Saturday 26 September, Lothian will be posting a series of video shorts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram featuring representatives of the company’s charity of choice, Support in Mind Scotland, as they take a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the garage, speak to key members of staff from across the business, and see for themselves just what it takes to keep buses on the roads across Edinburgh and the Lothians 365 days a year!

Ordinarily our charity of choice would be represented at the event, ready to meet visitors to explain more about their work and to collect donations. Since this isn’t possible, we’d love for participants in our online Doors Open Day to consider making a donation to Support in Mind Scotland through this JustGiving page. We’re immensely grateful for the work of Support in Mind Scotland, particularly at this time when everyone is feeling the strain and pressure of everyday life, so any contributions would be very much appreciated.

About Support in Mind Scotland

Our services in Edinburgh are based in the Stafford Centre, which has been active for over 30 years and is a community resource for people experiencing mental ill health who are living in the Edinburgh area. Our aim is to help people to manage their mental health, gain greater self-confidence and become more integrated within the community.

The Stafford Centre Carers Support Project - Offers a range of supports to carers of those experiencing mental illness so that they can continue in their caring role. We can provide practical advice, emotional support, information and contact with other carers.

Groups – we run various groups from the Stafford Centre including tai Chi, art, music, wellbeing, walking, Yoga and crafts.

Drop-in – The Centre operates as a Drop-In where people can enjoy the company of others in a relaxed, friendly and safe environment and begin to build supportive networks.

Snack Bar - Serving home-made soup, lunches and a variety of snacks, tea, coffee etc., all at reasonable prices. Some centre users help by volunteering behind the counter.

Next Step Service – Next Step service is the Stafford Centre's
registered service where people can build resilience through one-to-one
support and guidance. We aim to help you find an interest or activity that will improve your skills, build your confidence and assist you to take a step forward in your life.

We offer information and guidance about education and training, volunteering, leisure activities, paid employment and people can find out more about any opportunity that interests them.

OM Music Sanctuary – OM Music Sanctuary at the Stafford Centre 5 Days a week. Opportunities to learn to play instruments, record and perform music. Electric Café Saturdays from 1pm.

Veterans Community Café - The VCC is a drop-in café in the Stafford Centre, every Wednesday evening from 6pm, run by veterans for veterans.

Lothian Bipolar Group – At the Stafford Centre, the first Thursday of every month 19:00 Group members have their own experience of bipolar and we help each other to stay well. everyone affected by bipolar is welcome including carers, family and friends.

Radio Stafford 103  – Our Radio Station is run by people who use our service. Radio Stafford 103 is about sharing with others and informing people about mental health issues and services. We are not about being perfect but about having fun, getting involved and reaching out to people who may be experiencing similar issues. We all have good days and not so good days – isn’t that just like life? You can listen live
at www.radiostafford103.com