Tiffany Turner, from Dailly, has launched The Pamper Project on Facebook to help people facing difficult times feel supported, valued and less alone.
The 31-year-old lives with borderline personality disorder and wanted to create a support network she felt was lacking during some of her darkest moments.
Tiffany told the Advertiser: “I know how lonely life can feel when you are suffering from mental health. I have been through my fair share of GP appointments and mental health nurses.
“Living with BPD is like having the dial turned up on your emotions all of the time. I was diagnosed when I was 18, but struggled with the symptoms since I was a teenager.
“I have had a horrible past year with losing my mum in April, and I was struggling with grieving. My husband managed to get in touch with the crisis team at Ailsa Hospital and they really gave me the support that I didn’t think I had within the community.
“Given how rural I live, I thought there must be other people who are experiencing the same as I did, but didn’t reach out for help or have that support available.
“The time between appointments can be incredibly difficult. People are often left feeling hopeless, with very little support available, and that’s something that needs to change.”
The online group, set up just a few weeks ago, encourages members to share self-care wishlists, offer words of encouragement and build connections in what Tiffany hopes will become a community rooted in compassion, understanding and friendship.
Tiffany said: “I just want to help other people and remind them that nobody has to face a difficult time alone.
“The thought that someone took the time out of their day to send a small gift from your Amazon wishlist or spread some positivity would really lift someone’s day.
“Whether it has been a rough day at work to a life-changing diagnosis. It is also a chance to give people that safe space to let their emotions out without fear of judgment or prejudice.
“It is giving people the opportunity to enjoy a small corner of positivity. I feel like there is a lack of empathy and compassion in the world right now, and I want to give that back.
“Eventually, I would love to organise coffee mornings, group activities and small meet-ups so friendships and connections made through the group can thrive.
However, Tiffany has one key message that for anyone who may be struggling and considering joining The Pamper Project.
“It is a space where you can feel seen, heard and cared for”, she explained.
“It doesn’t matter where you are in the world right now. You will be welcomed with open arms. If you need a chat, a little reassurance, a distraction, or just somewhere to get your worries off your chest, our little community is here for you.
“If I can give people that little escape from their reality, then I will be happy with that.”
For more information, or to join The Pamper Project, visit its Facebook page.