A mental health campaign group has secured a Community Asset Transfer to create a new outdoor wellbeing space
Rural Rest has successfully obtained a Community Asset Transfer from North Lanarkshire Council, enabling the group to transform the current space near Cecil Street in Coatbridge
The site will be transformed into a community space focused on mental health, social connection, and personal development
Advertisement
Advertisement
It will offer a range of non-medical supports and programmes including therapeutic and recreational sessions, nature-based workshops, volunteering, skills development, and informal areas to relax and connect with others
Scotland faces shortfall of mental health officers despite staff risePupils return to Cumbernauld school found to contain RAAC after £4m refurbishmentAlmost £100,000 awarded to multiple North Lanarkshire community groups
Charlene from Rural Rest said: “We are absolutely delighted to have reached this important milestone and to have secured the asset through the Community Asset Transfer process
“This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for us and, most importantly, for the community we want to serve
Advertisement
Advertisement
“Our vision is to create a safe, welcoming outdoor space where people can come as they are, connect with others, spend time in nature and take part in activities that support their wellbeing
“We want the space to be inclusive and accessible, providing opportunities for relaxation, creativity, learning, volunteering and social connection
“We believe that prevention and early intervention have an important role to play in supporting mental health and wellbeing
“By creating a non-medical, community-led environment, Rural Rest can offer people another route to support before challenges become more difficult to manage
Advertisement
Advertisement
“We are grateful to North Lanarkshire Council for recognising the potential of our vision and supporting us through the asset transfer process.”
Councillor Geraldine Woods, convener of communities, welcomed the plans and highlighted the value of Community Asset Transfers
She said: “Community Asset Transfer is about putting local communities at the heart of decisions about assets and creating opportunities for community organisations to develop services that respond directly to local needs
“Rural Rest has a positive and ambitious vision for this space, and I am delighted to see that vision progressing
Advertisement
Advertisement
“The proposed outdoor wellbeing space has the potential to provide a fantastic range of opportunities for people to connect, learn, volunteer, enjoy nature and support their mental health and wellbeing in an informal and welcoming setting
“North Lanarkshire Council is committed to working with communities to help them take greater ownership and responsibility for local assets
“I wish Rural Rest every success as it moves forward with its plans, and I look forward to seeing the space develop and the benefits it will bring to the community.”
Minister backs calls for better support for people with cerebral palsyOne dead and hundreds fall ill in UK-wide Salmonella outbreakCumbernauld mum ‘fighting for life’ backs new kidney transplant scheme
Community Asset Transfers allow groups to take on buildings, land, or public facilities for community use, with the goal of delivering long-term social, economic, and environmental value
Advertisement
Advertisement
Rural Rest’s approach is focused on reducing barriers to mental health support, complementing existing services, and easing pressure on the healthcare system through prevention and early intervention
With the transfer complete, the group will now begin development of the site and seek partnerships to help realise its vision
