Angela rewarded for mental health work

A Cumbernauld campaigner for mental health issues has been recognised in national awards.
Mental health campaigner Angela Hamilton.Mental health campaigner Angela Hamilton.
Mental health campaigner Angela Hamilton.

Angela Hamilton, who runs the Peace of Mind support group, is the local winner in the Good Neighbour Awards, organised by Nextdoor, the private social network for neighbourhoods.

Nextdoor aims to provide a trusted online platform where neighbours work together to build stronger, safer and happier communities,

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Pleased that Peace of Mind is part of the network, Angela, 37, is delighted to receive the latest accolade.

She said: “It was my husband, James, who nominated me and, of course, he didn’t tell me.

“This has come as a real surprise, but I’m delighted.”

When Angela searched for local help to help cope with anxiety and depression she discovered her area was a “black hole” for local mental health help, with her closest groups being in Glasgow.

Realising that others were in the same position, she decided to set up the support group.

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She said: “I made a petition to the Scottish Parliament for better mental health services and Peace of Mind came off the back of that last September.”

Angela used social media to get the word out and posted flyers in her local area before coming across Nextdoor and using it as a tool to reach local residents.

Fortnightly sessions are held at the Muirfield Centre for people and their families who feel isolated or have mental health issues and Angela has hopes to make this a weekly arrangement.

She may also be in a position to offer an evening session, perhaps once a month, to fit around busy lives.

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Angela said: “It gives them a place to go and where they don’t feel judged. It’s all about the users because they tell me what kind of help they need.”

Peace of Mind welcomes people of all ages and Angela’s children, Liam (8) and Sophie (6), usually tag along, keen to get involved and discover new friends.