Whitfield: Feeling Strong

By Cain Lindsay

As part of a rejuvenation project in Whitfield one of the city’s top youth mental health organisations have set up camp to serve the community.

Feeling Strong are one of the many groups Changemakers have been working alongside in order to support the Whitfield area.

Whitfield has been one of several focal points for the Changemakers this past year, and via collaboration with other local groups, such as Feeling Strong, the area has seen even more coming together of community groups to collaborate.

Fatima Ishaq was welcomed to Whitfield back in October, taking the role of Peer Outreach Officer for Feeling Strong, a position which required her to get familiar with her surroundings and create a welcoming environment for young people. Something she has adapted to with ease.

“We’ve had a really good response so far, we do drop-ins every week, we do one-to-one support on Thursdays, and we’re seeing more and more families. You can see the word spreading with people dropping in”, Fatima said.

It’s only been a matter of months but Fatima already feels fulfilled in her position, and she can sense the need for the service in Whitfield. 

“The idea was to have someone in the community so young people and families can drop in for whatever they need, as and when they need it. We want to close that waiting gap. We’ve still got a lot to go, and stuff we want to expand on, but so far we’re getting on with it. We seem to be seeing a lot of families and young people and I’m hoping we’re making a difference.”

Fatima is no stranger to Whitfield, having worked at the North East Campus previously, which has benefited her transition into the area.

“I’ve spent quite a lot of time getting to know folks [in Whitfield], so I’ve continued to build on links with staff, and I go visit drop-ins whenever I can. Same with the schools, I’ve got points of contact.”

Like others who have made Whitfield their second home in recent months, she’s not a local, but Fatima felt that connection with the people almost instantly.

“I feel like the Whitfield community is so big, welcoming and open, so it’s really easy to get in and get involved in it. Everyone knows everyone and can point you in the right direction. I remember at the Lifegate event I met someone who took me around the room and introduced me to like over 20 people! It has a real community feel.”

Feeling Strong offer various support groups for young people, aged 12-26, throughout the week, and although many of their already well established, and more popular groups are located nearer the city centre, they try to offer as much support as they can in the area.

“We’re replicating the service within a community, we also have our services in the town, we have our community hub on the Perth Road, and we do the exact same kind of stuff there. One-to-one support, different hub nights, etc.” 

Fatima works within The Crescent and admits support from within the building, the local GP, has been incredible since assuming the role. Feeling Strong know the needs of young people. Their hub nights and activities have seen a positive impact in allowing youngsters to open up and find a safe space.

“We try to do something every night of the week”, Fatima shared. “Monday we have a café in the evening in our hub. It’s such a safe space to open up."

"We’ve got our Stitch N’ Bitch on Tuesday nights. Our knitting and crocheting group. We work with young people aged 12-26, but the Stitch N’ Bitch seems to be for people in that 18+ category. It’s a really positive group."

“We’ve got our Skill Up which is a hub night all about preparing young people for employability, careers advice, supporting young people for exams, studying, etc. It’s just a bit of everything for people to build those skills for life learning and work."

“We’ve got our Art Night and a drop-in here [The Crescent] on a Wednesday. We set up an art group and girls group here, just to have more on offer. These are two of the most common things young people ask for, so we're trying to meet the needs of what young people are asking. Some people can’t get into town so I feel it’s important to have stuff on offer in the local area.”

Fatima never missed the opportunity to reflect on the support from the Changemakers, via networking and financial backing, she admits that Feeling Strong is grateful for all the assistance.

“Attending the Changemakers meetings has been really good for connections. It’s just fingers crossed for funding so we can keep doing what we’re doing.”

Back in October Fatima spoke before a packed Lifegate church as she pitched her plans for potential Changemakers SOUP funding. She was awarded £300 which she dedicated to self-care boxes, a comforting kit designed to enhance relaxation and well-being, including items such as spa-like products, herbal teas, candles, cosy socks, etc.

Listen to Fatima discuss the self-care boxes and her thanks to Changemakers:

One of the connections Fatima is keen to explore is the community garden group. Her timing in the area hasn’t aligned ideally for the facilities of the garden, but it’s something she hopes can blossom as Spring approaches.

“I would love to get more involved with the community garden. We’d love to use it more, and as the weather improves that could happen. Some young people aren’t as keen to come into an office like this, attached to a GP, so likes of a walk and talk could be brilliant. I know personally it helped me. So that’s definitely one for the spring/summer. I'll have discussions with the garden to see if and when we can arrange walk and talks, but even like a summer group, get them out and about and connected with nature. There’s definitely more to come."

Fatima is loving her time in Whitfield, not only because she was made to feel welcome, but because she feels as though she can provide something essential.

“There’s such a strong need for it [support in Whitfield]. You see it and hear it when you talk to the young people in the area. There’s such a need to support them and get them back on track, empower them and help them to find their feet, get out and about, and meet other people their age. If we can provide a safe space, with groups and activities it will build trust with the community. We’re trying to address that.”