About Centred

The Highlands’ largest mental health charity

Since 1987 we have helped people with mental ill-health live full, independent lives. Today we support people across Inverness, Lochaber, Easter Ross and Caithness.

Two people chatting over a hot drink at the Discovery College

Almost 40

years supporting the Highlands

4

areas: Inverness, Lochaber, Easter Ross and Caithness

100+

people use our free drop-in every week

300+

people supported in their own homes

Our mission

Helping people live full, independent lives

We started as Birchwood (Inverness), supporting people with long-term mental ill-health on their journey to recovery. In 2022 we became Centred (Scotland), a name that reflects the person-centred approach behind everything we do.

Two people talking over a hot drink at the Discovery College

What makes us different

Person-centred and recovery-focused

Led by lived experience

Everyone in our drop-in team has lived experience. This peer support model is backed by the World Health Organization.

First of its kind

Our Recovery Centre was the first residential support centre of its kind in Scotland.

Support before crisis

Our Discovery College was the region’s first free drop-in, reaching people before they reach crisis point.

Shaped by the people we support

We ask for feedback from staff and the people we support, and involve them in shaping our services.

Our values

What we believe

Six values guide how we support people and how we work together.

Working together

The people we support are equal partners in planning, developing and reviewing the support we offer.

Dignity

We value each person and respect their needs and wishes.

Compassion

Every interaction shows respect, kindness and empathy.

Trust

We put our trust in our team and in the people we support.

Recovery

Everyone can live a fulfilling life and has the potential to recover their wellbeing.

Evidence-based

Evidence-based practice and research are at the core of everything we do.

How we are funded

Our drop-in relies on donations

Our community support teams work across the Highlands, including some of the most remote areas, and receive statutory funding. Our Discovery College drop-in does not. It now helps more than 100 people every week in Inverness and Caithness, and it relies on donations and fundraising.

The Discovery College shopfront in Inverness