Penumbra Mental Health

19/06/2026

Meet Tommy Pattison, Operations Manager at Edinburgh Milestone Alcohol Related Brain Damage (ARBD) ✨

Tommy joined Penumbra after working across recovery, outreach and residential services in Edinburgh and Paisley, including supporting people affected by substance use and delivering harm reduction support in communities. Today, he leads Edinburgh Milestone ARBD, helping ensure people with ARBD receive the support they need to rebuild confidence, wellbeing and independence.

As we mark Men's Health Week 2026, Tommy's story is a powerful reminder of the impact of sharing our experiences. As someone in recovery himself, Tommy uses his lived experience to support others on their own recovery journeys.

"Other people in recovery helped me and now I help people. That's how recovery works." 💬

By speaking openly, supporting one another and showing that recovery is possible, we can help create positive change and inspire hope for others.



Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership
NHS Lothian
Men's Health Forum
The City of Edinburgh Council

17/06/2026

🌈 Pride Month | Supporting LGBT+ Mental Health 🌈

This Pride Month, we stand with LGBT+ communities across Scotland - celebrating identity, resilience, and the right to feel safe and supported in every part of life.

We also recognise the very real mental health inequalities faced by many LGBT+ people. Research in Scotland shows significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness within these communities, often linked to experiences of stigma and exclusion.

As highlighted by Stonewall :
“Fear of discrimination can deter LGBT+ people from seeking help:
Some avoid healthcare services due to negative past experiences or expectations.”

No one should feel unable to ask for help because of who they are.

At Penumbra Mental Health, we’re committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone feels heard, respected, and supported, not just during Pride, but every day of the year.

If you’re struggling, you are not alone. Support is here 👇:
https://penumbra.org.uk/services/

💛

LGBT Youth Scotland
LGBT Health and Wellbeing

16/06/2026

We’re pleased to share the latest episode of the In Conversation podcast from Self-Harm Network Scotland💙

This episode explores how men can access support, what support for self-harm can look like, and ways individuals can support themselves and others.

A valuable listen for anyone looking to better understand or support someone experiencing self-harm.

Listen here👇:
https://selfharmnetworkscotland.org.uk/inconversation/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSecRtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFDYVVSOWYzVWRoVFNUelVmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhxka4tS98rpd4Y-pl18YjJFMpkN355ZpQ2-7M8J8v-YU9RCseayysqE0WtO_aem_2ul2Yzj55wbhZyinltOvZw

Episode 4 of our In Conversation podcast is out now!

In this penultimate episode, Frankee, Chris, Dylan and Amy talk about how men can access support, what support for self-harm actually looks like, and what things individuals who self-harm can do to support themselves 💙

They also provide helpful advice for anyone who is worried about someone who is self-harming.

Watch on our website, and listen wherever you get your podcasts:
selfharmnetworkscotland.org.uk/inconversation/

15/06/2026

⚽ FROM THE PITCH TO THE GARDEN: Let’s Win for Elder Street! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴

What a weekend! The Scotland squad showed us exactly what can be achieved with teamwork, grit, and a whole lot of heart at the World Cup. We are still absolutely buzzing from that victory! 🙌

Now, we’re asking you to bring that same incredible football spirit to our upcoming fundraiser. We aren't just playing for a trophy - we are playing for a brilliant local cause.

Today, we are highlighting our Elder Street Services garden. Right now, it’s looking a little tired (as you can see in the photo below!), but with your help, we can kick off a total regeneration of this vital space.

Our East Lothian Operations Manager, Adam Novara, explains just how much this means:

“Elder Street Services supports people across East Lothian on their journey towards recovery, wellbeing, and greater independence. Our garden space may be small, but it plays a big role in the lives of the people we support, providing a safe and welcoming place to relax, connect with others, and enjoy the positive impact nature can have on mental health.

Through this fundraising event, we hope to regenerate and enhance the space so it can continue to support wellbeing, reduce isolation, and create more opportunities for connection and recovery. Any support or donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference to the people who use our service every day.”

🏆 How You Can Help Us Score a Win:
💜 Sign up to play: email [email protected]
🗣️Come along and cheer: We need a roaring Tartan Army on the sidelines!
💰Donate: Evert pound raised helps us transform this garden into a sanctuary for mental health and recovery.

Let's channel that winning Scotland feeling and make a lasting difference in .

Donate here ➡️: https://bit.ly/4vlUp9J

📆 Friday 3rd July
⏰ 11:00am - 2:00pm
📍 Pitches beside Ross High RFC, Blawearie Rd, Tranent EH33 2DB



The Destiny Project SCIO Destiny United FC

12/06/2026

This week, we marked 3 years of our Bipolar Peer Support Service💙.

Over the last three years, we’ve seen first-hand the power of connection, understanding, and resilience.

Since launching in partnership with Bipolar Edinburgh & Lothians Group in 2023, our aim has been simple: to create a safe, non-judgmental space where people living with bipolar can access support, encouragement, and most importantly - hope for the future.

From welcoming our first full-time worker, Harry, to growing our team with Lu, Mary Ann, and Gregor, each person has helped shape a service rooted in choice, compassion, and lived experience.

A huge thank you to our incredible peer supporters - your openness and courage continue to inspire hope in others every day.

We'd also like to extend our gratitude to Francis and Michelle, and to our partners at Bipolar Edinburgh, for making this service possible.

As we look ahead, we know there is still more to be done. We remain committed to raising awareness, breaking-stigma, and ensuring more people can access the support they need.

Here's to the next chapter - continuing to empower, uplift, and support one another ✨.

To find out more about our Bipolar Peer Support Service, visit our website:
https://penumbra.org.uk/services/bipolar-peer-support-service/

12/06/2026

Mental health is everyone’s business – join the pledge ✏️

We’re proud to be joining many rural organisations to help create communities where everyone can talk openly about mental health and where people are supported to seek help early.

Through this UK-first collaboration, the new, pioneering Scottish Fi****ms Mental Health Awareness and Support Partnership brings organisations together with a shared aim: to raise awareness, encourage early support and help prevent su***de. Because real change happens when we stand together.

If you’re visiting the Royal Highland Show from 18–21 June, you can sign the pledge at RSABI’s stand (opposite the Members Pavilion) to show your support. It’s also a chance to meet and chat with some of the many partners involved. This will be the first of many rural shows where the pledge will be available, helping to grow this collective effort across Scotland’s rural communities.

Read more about the partnership here 👇:
https://www.rsabi.org.uk/rural-mental-health-focus-for-pioneering-police-partnership/

10/06/2026

🎙️ While we wait for Episode 04 of the In Conversation podcast next Tuesday, now’s the perfect time to catch up on the first three episodes! 🙌

Hear powerful conversations, shared experiences, and supportive insights from Self-Harm Network Scotland 💙

🎧 Watch or listen here:
selfharmnetworkscotland.org.uk/inconversation/

Make sure to follow Self-Harm Network Scotland to stay up-to-date with the next episode and future conversations.

Our In Conversation podcast is taking a break this week, but we'll be back with Episode 04 next Tuesday, 16th June 🙌

Watch the first three episodes here, or listen wherever you get your podcasts 👇
selfharmnetworkscotland.org.uk/inconversation/

08/06/2026

⚽ Kick Off for a Cause! ⚽

Penumbra's Elder Street Services are delighted to announce their Football Fundraiser, bringing community spirit and football together for a fantastic cause!

📆 Friday 3rd July
⏰ 11:00am - 2:00pm
📍 Pitches beside Ross High RFC, Blawearie Rd, Tranent EH33 2DB

With gearing up for their upcoming match, there's no better time to get into the football spirit! 💙

We're thrilled to be joined by Destiny United FC, who will be supporting us on the day by playing a friendly match against Penumbra, helping to bring the event to life - and have kindly agreed to donate equipment.

There will be plenty happening throughout the day, including:
⚽ Penumbra vs Destiny United FC
🥅 Beat the goalie
🎂 Bake sale
🎟️ Raffle

As well as the football fun, our Penumbra team will be on hand to share information about our services and how to access support for yourself or a loved one.

This is an open event and everyone is welcome - whether you're joining in, cheering from the sidelines, or simply stopping by to support.

Every pound raised will go towards regenerating the Elder Street Services garden - a valued outdoor space where the people we support can relax, connect and spend time together.

⚽ Donate, play, or show your support:
🔗 https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/elderstreetfootballfundraiser

🌱 If you are unable to donate or attend on the day, please consider donating any garden equipment to help us regenerate the Elder Street Services garden. Garden equipment can be dropped off at:
📍 7 Elder St, Tranent EH33 1BH

Let's come together, celebrate football, and make a real difference. We look forward to seeing you there!

25/05/2026

⚽💙 FUNDRAISING CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH 💙⚽

Destiny Utd FC are proud to be joining forces with Penumbra Mental Health for a special charity football match aimed at raising awareness and support for mental health within our communities.

📅 Friday 3rd July
⏰ 11:00am – 2:00pm
📍 Pitches Beside Ross High RFC

This event is about more than football, it’s about bringing people together, encouraging open conversations, and showing that nobody has to face mental health challenges alone. Every goal scored, every supporter attending, and every conversation started helps make a difference.

John Tonner, Chairman of Destiny Utd FC, said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for two organisations to come together for a truly important cause. Both Destiny Utd FC and Penumbra do outstanding work in helping tackle the stigma surrounding mental health and creating supportive, inclusive environments for people within our communities.

We hope this partnership can lead to further support opportunities and pathways into Destiny Utd FC for individuals who may be struggling with mental health concerns and are interested in getting involved in sport. Football can be a powerful tool for improving wellbeing, building confidence, and creating a sense of belonging.”

We invite everyone to come along, support the cause, and stand with us in promoting positive mental health through sport and community.

Together for Mental Health 💙
Every Goal Counts ⚽

20/05/2026