Chairs report-lslay Link Club May 2023-2025
Islay Link Club AGM, Bruichladdich Village Hall, 2pm
My report is covering a two year period rather than the usual 12
months. This is due to my own mental health taking a serious nose
dive at the beginning of last year-resulting in me having to take a long
period of withdrawal from work-related duties and, the time it has
taken for me to recover suff iciently to be Chairing this AGM in 2025.
2023-1, Dougie and Gill attended the monthly Islay Resilience Group
(Islay Connections) meetings.The Needs Assessment Researchers
post officially ended in September, Jean McLellan continued the
lengthy process of compiling all her evidence into a concise, poignant
and accessible to all report.
So, no AGM in 2024. Link Club members continued to meet up and I
joined them when I could. Committee members were active in my
absence-thank you.
Islay Link Club members and guests have continued to meet on a
weekly basis at Kilarrow Hub building and gardens. Folk can self refer
or via the island's CPN or other health professionals.
We have engaged in regular arts and crafts activities facilitated by
different members of the group, which has been very successful. The
group has grown and developed into something that is both creative
and supportive for those who attend.
I have enjoyed observing a diverse mix of folk working together to
help and support each other with lots of positive conversations with
each other. We have enjoyed welcoming new members during this
time. We also get together in the community, attending and
supporting other events. Promoting the Link Club across Islay.
Equally important to the informal mental health and well being
support that we provtd@,-has been the launch earlier this year of our
Needs Assessment Reportcompiled by Researcher, Jean
MacLellan. I hope that everyone has had an opportunity to ￿ad the
report, which is available in paper or digital form. The Committee,
when promoting the report have received very positive feedback both
locally and further afield, Including MSP Jenni Minto. Personally, I