Highlands & Islands MSP meets with local mental health social enterprise

Continuing her summer recess schedule, Emma Roddick MSP recently visited Skye-based charity and social enterprise RagTag and Textile. Established in 2003, the charity promotes mental and social well-being in North-West Scotland through guided, creative workshops and drop-in “cake and conversation” days.

RagTag have a unique framework that supports both mental health and the environment. By creating up-cycled crafts from donated materials during their workshops, they encourage re-use and recycling. The charity also offers supports the local community by offering work experience in their charity shop.

Speaking on her visit, Roddick said:

“It was so wonderful to see the work that goes on at RagTag. It is so important that those suffering from poor mental health in our region get the support that they need and to see charities like RagTag providing this service is so reassuring.

“For so many, the ability to be creative, gain skills, and build experience is vital to recovery.  The crafts made by service users and staff really are incredible and the fact that they were all made using second-hand, donated materials is so impressive. To be able to reduce the volume of waste going to landfill on the island on top of the work they do supporting mental health in the local community is admirable.

“I’ve had the opportunity to visit so many mental health organisations this recess and it’s amazing seeing all the creative approaches each organisation takes towards supporting wellbeing and building community in their local areas.

“I look forward to visiting RagTag again in the future for one of their Crumz sessions.”