Buddy Binder to keep track of vital info

Published on Thursday 30 July 2009 09:57

A NEW project is proving to be a good friend to people with mental health issues.

The 'Buddy Binder' memory aid has been created by clients of West Lothian Council's Adult Basic Education and Bathgate House Community Health team, with the aim of keeping all important, personal information in a user-friendly, discrete and accessible format.

The group were delighted to be chosen as finalists for the Adult Learners' Awards 2009 for their efforts, and welcomed Provost Tom Kerr to their launch event in Bathgate's Regal Community Theatre recently.

Mr Kerr, who presented a plaque to the group, said: "The Buddy Binder is an excellent idea, which should make a real difference to many people with mental health issues. I was very impressed with all the students."

The group came up with the Buddy Binders idea whilst they were working to improve their literacy skills.

They put together collages and thoughts about small gestures that can make a big difference, and hope their resource will go some way to de-stigmatise the perception of people with mental health issues.