Edinburgh mum battles back from 'loneliness and isolation' to help others

Jogob Sarr, 32, is a member of the Community Wellbeing Collective in Wester Hailes. She says it is a critical part of the vulnerable community.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A charity in Wester Hailes is appealing for critical funds to continue supporting its vulnerable community.

Wester Hailes faces significant challenges - including poverty and high rates of addiction . The Community Wellbeing Collective (CWC) fills a critical gap by offering a sober space that is open outside of working hours and on weekends, providing a vital service to the community.

Its programming includes art classes, support groups, meals, and workshops. Organisers aim to combat isolation, provide safe spaces for children and families and offer services for recovering substance users.

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The Community Wellbeing Space combats isolation and addiction in Wester Hailes through its programming.
The Community Wellbeing Space combats isolation and addiction in Wester Hailes through its programming.

After moving locations, they are hoping to raise £7,500 to continue funding their programmes.

Wester Hailes resident Jogob Sarr spoke with Edinburgh Live about how the charity turned her life around during challenging times.

The 32-year-old mum of two has been part of the collective since it opened in 2022. She was grappling with mental health and isolation, and decided to join a support group for struggling families.

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Jogob said: “I moved to Edinburgh in 2017. I have family in England but none in Scotland, so the move to Edinburgh was a big challenge - I was not sure where to start.

“I wasn’t making friends and most of the time I was on my own. I was very lonely and isolated. Then my parents died in 2020, and I had recently gone through a miscarriage, so it was one thing after another. I was very depressed and isolated.”

Jocob lead "relaxation days" where overworked residents could learn self-care and unwind with massages.
Jocob lead "relaxation days" where overworked residents could learn self-care and unwind with massages.

However, the collective’s welcoming environment made Jogob feel at home immediately. Many of the other service users were young mothers, and Jogob formed strong friendships while she was pregnant with her second child in 2022.

She joked: “I started at the collective when I was heavily pregnant. When I had my son, they called him the CWC baby. They helped me through my healing process.”

Jogob soon felt empowered to take on a leadership role at the collective, captaining “relaxation day” work workshops that taught self-care to overworked residents and parents.

She said: “We wanted to pamper Wester Hailes residents. People are so busy and always forget to take care of themselves. We did manicures, pedicures, and massages. These services can be so expensive normally.”

Jogob is reminded of the importance of community support from fellow service users who continue to struggle with poverty and substance use. She said that hearing people’s stories can be “very emotional.”

She added: “Wester Hailes has so many challenges and a big one for CWC is getting funding.”

The CWC invites donations according to people’s ability and understands that not everyone can contribute financially. They encourage people to share their message and visit the new space when it opens.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit their GoFundMe .

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