In this episode, Drew is joined by Laura Johnson Scott from the Highland Wellness Collective. Laura shares her journey from being a community dance artist to founding a social enterprise that combines creativity, community, and mental health support. She discusses how the Highlands Wellness Collective offers accessible mental health services, including counselling, dance classes, and community events. Laura talks about the barriers people face in accessing mental health care in the Highlands and how her organisation works to remove those barriers through multiple points of entry and flexible pricing models. This mental health podcast explores the unique challenges and innovative solutions for rural mental health provision. Laura discusses how the Highland Wellness Collective addresses the specific needs of Highland communities through a blend of therapeutic approaches and creative activities.
The conversation delves into the importance of reducing stigma around mental health in rural areas. Laura explains how combining creative expression through dance and art with professional counselling creates a more accessible entry point for people who might otherwise avoid traditional mental health services. The Highland Wellness Collective has become a vital resource for individuals seeking support in a welcoming, non-clinical environment.
Drew and Laura explore the social enterprise model and how it enables flexible, affordable access to mental health support. They discuss the various services offered, from one-on-one counselling sessions to group dance classes and community workshops. Laura shares success stories and the impact the organisation has had on individuals and families across the Highlands. Listeners will gain insight into the challenges of delivering mental health services in remote and rural areas, the power of community-based approaches, and how creativity can be a powerful tool for healing and connection. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in accessible mental health care, social enterprise, and community development.