Funding Timeline (2017–2026)
Funding & Impact (2017–2026)
A Positive Start CIC is a community interest company working to increase access to trauma-informed counselling, prevention programmes, and emotional wellbeing support across the Scottish Borders. Much of our work depends on external funding. When funding is available, we can offer services free of charge to people on low or no income. When funding is unavailable, we continue to provide support through reduced-cost options wherever possible so that access does not stop altogether.
All funding received by A Positive Start CIC has been project-specific and time-limited rather than core organisational funding.
We share this timeline openly to:
+ Explain when services are fully funded
+ Show what funding has supported in the past
+ Clarify what is currently available
+ Highlight where gaps remain
+ Demonstrate the impact of investment in community mental health support
This page helps both clients and funders understand how services grow — and why funding makes such a difference locally.
The timeline below shows how A Positive Start CIC has been funded over time, what each award supported, and how community contributions helped sustain services between grants. Community fundraising initiatives — including Handmade in the Scottish Borders and our local community thrift shop — played an important role in maintaining premises and supporting service delivery during key stages of the organisation’s development.
Between 2017–2019
Funding secured: £0
Multiple applications submitted: Not successful during this period
During the early development years (2017–2019), a local volunteer supported A Positive Start CIC by hand-knitting high-quality babywear through a small community initiative called Made in the Scottish Borders. Although these items were sold at modest prices well below their true value, the project generated essential early income that helped keep the organisation running during a period of uncertainty while formal funding applications were still unsuccessful. This volunteer contribution reflects the strong community belief in the vision of A Positive Start CIC from its earliest beginnings.
Between 2019–2021
Funding secured: £5,000 (early-stage development support)
Multiple additional applications submitted: Not successful during this period
Between 2019 and 2021, A Positive Start CIC continued to operate primarily through voluntary effort, lived-experience leadership, and community engagement while building the foundations for later programme delivery.
Small early-stage development awards from 2019–2021 helped support this groundwork, including:
£1,000 from Circular Economy Scotland (2020)
£1,000 from Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber (2021)
£3,000 Seed-corn Funding from Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber (2019–2020) supporting pilot delivery of STAND – Parents as Protectors
Alongside these early contributions, several additional funding applications were submitted but were unsuccessful during this period.
This stage included the early development of:
STAND – Parents as Protectors
Trauma Informed TRUST
Early Thrift Shop Ideas (Pre-Wear)
Community trauma-informed workshop models
Student placement pathways
Early prevention-focused support approaches
These foundations later enabled A Positive Start CIC to secure larger programme funding from 2022 onwards and expand access to trauma-informed support across the Scottish Borders.
Since 2017, A Positive Start CIC has grown from a small, lived-experience initiative supported by volunteers and community belief into a recognised provider of trauma-informed counselling, prevention programmes, and training across the Scottish Borders.
Every stage of this journey has been shaped by the people who trusted us, supported us, and walked alongside us.
We are still here.
And now, as we move to Harestanes and begin the next stage of our development, we are building a sustainable wellbeing community designed to support people for many years to come.
Thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible — and to those who will be part of what comes next.
If you would like to help us continue providing accessible trauma-informed support across the Scottish Borders, donations of any size make a real difference. Donations help us provide counselling to people on low or no income when project funding is not available.
River Room Rest & Reset Retreat
River Room Rest & Reset Retreat
A quiet place beside the River Teviot to pause, reflect and begin again
The River Room Rest & Reset Retreat is a four-night restorative experience designed for individuals, couples or like-minded people seeking time away to rest, reflect and receive gentle emotional support
Guests stay in our peaceful riverside retreat space at Riverside Caravan Park, Hornshole, just outside Hawick in the Scottish Borders.
The setting is simple and calm, surrounded by trees and directly beside the River Teviot, creating a natural environment for slowing down and reconnecting with yourself.
This retreat combines quiet time in nature with optional therapeutic support, allowing each guest to shape their experience in a way that feels right for them.
On-site facilities include:
* peaceful riverside surroundings
* nearby walking routes
* onsite laundry
There is no shop on site, however the town of Hawick is just five minutes away by car, where shops, cafes and restaurants are available.
Situated directly beside the River Teviot, the retreat provides a quiet and simple environment where guests can slow down, rest and reflect.
The retreat combines peaceful accommodation with optional therapeutic support, reflective activities and opportunities to spend time in nature
The Retreat Space
The retreat accommodation is located within a small, quiet caravan park surrounded by trees and nature.
The caravan sits right beside the River Teviot, with a large outdoor decking area where guests can sit, read, journal or simply watch the river flow past.
The setting is intentionally simple and peaceful rather than a busy holiday resort, which many guests find helps them step away from daily distractions and focus on rest and wellbeing.
Inside the Retreat Space
Inside, you will find a bright, comfortable living space designed to feel welcoming and relaxed.
The caravan includes:
*comfortable lounge with electric fire
*central heating
*dining space
*fully equipped kitchen
*shower room with WC and separate WC
*large outdoor deck overlooking the river
*private bedrooms
*parking space for one vehicle
The caravan sleeps up to seven, allowing flexible arrangements for our retreat guests
Retreat stays may include:
*individuals attending alone
*couples attending together
*two guests sharing
*two guests using separate rooms
Only a limited number of retreats are available each month.
What's Included in Your Stay
Your four-night retreat includes:
Accommodation in the River Room, Riverside Retreat.
Essentials provided:
*bedding and towels
*tea, coffee, milk, and bread
*toiletries including shampoo, conditioner & body wash
*toilet rolls and household essentials
Guests will also receive:
*a River Room Journal
*daily trauma-informed reflection and mindfulness exercises
*quiet time for rest and reflection beside the river
One shared meal is included during the retreat onsite at Harestanes. At other times guests are free to prepare their own meals or explore local cafe's and restaurants.
Therapeutic and Wellbeing Support
The retreat offers optional therapeutic support, shaped around the needs of each guest.
This may include:
A compassionate, non-judgemental space where you are listened to with empathy and respect. The approach recognises the impact of trauma and supports you to explore your experiences safely, at your own pace.
A gentle technique that combines mindful focus with light tapping on acupressure points to help reduce emotional intensity, calm the nervous system, and support emotional processing.
Therapeutic conversations take place outdoors while walking. Being in nature can help people feel more relaxed, grounded, and able to reflect more freely
Simple creative exercises that help people explore thoughts, feelings, goals, and hopes in a visual and reflective way, supporting self-awareness and personal insight. Mia Vita means ‘My Life’.
Additional supportive practices may be included depending on the individual’s needs, focusing on emotional regulation, self-awareness, connection and overall well-being.
Supportive guided discussions where participants can share experiences, listen to others, and recognise common human experiences in a safe, respectful environment.
Daily Visits to Harestanes
During your stay, guest may choose to visit Harestanes Wellbeing Space for therapeutic or reflective sessions.
Optional transport can be arranged.
These visits may include:
*One-to-one therapy sessions
*creative wellbeing activities
*walk and talk sessions
*reflective space away from everyday pressures
Some guests may wish to attend daily, while others prefer a balance of therapy and quiet rest time.
Who This Retreat May Suit
The River Room Rest & Reset Retreat may be suitable for:
*adults 18+
*individuals looking for time away to rest and receive emotional support
*people exploring trauma-informed healing approaches
*couples wanting to enjoy a reflective retreat together
*two like-minded individuals wishing to share the experience
*partners where one person enjoys fishing or relaxing by the river while the other engages in therapeutic support. Our approach is person-centred, meaning each retreat is shaped around individual needs.
Retreat Prices
Individual Retreat
For one person attending and receiving therapeutic support
£1200
Two Guests Both Receiving Therapy
For two guests attending together where both are receiving therapeutic support.
£2400
Two Guests - One Receiving Therapy
For couples or two guests where one person receives therapy and the other enjoys the retreat environment
£1800
Important Information
The River Room Rest & Reset Retreat is designed for rest, reflection and supportive wellbeing experiences.
It is not a crisis service, and a free initial consultation is required before book to ensure the retreat is appropriate and supportive for each guest.
Enquire About the Retreat
If you would like to explore the River Room Rest & Reset Retreat, please complete the enquiry form by following the button below.
We will then arrange a free initial consultation to discuss your needs and answer any questions.
Sometimes the most important step in healing is simply stepping away for a while
The Vision of Harestanes
The Vision for Harestanes
Healing happens in connection, not isolation.
Our intention is to gradually develop a wellbeing space at Harestanes in the Scottish Borders, where we can offer small-group experiences that support emotional wellbeing, connection, and understanding.
Surrounded by nature, this space will provide a calm and welcoming environment where individuals, families, and professionals can pause, reflect, and reconnect. Through gentle learning, meaningful conversation, and shared experiences, we hope to create a place where people feel able to explore their well-being at their own pace, supported by a community that values compassion, curiosity, and understanding.
Our Wellbeing Community
When people step into calmer surroundings where there is space to breathe, walk and simply be, something begins to shift. Conversations deepen, nervous systems settle and people often feel more able to reflect on their experiences.
The vision for Harestanes is to create a place where this can happen naturally.
A place where small circles of people can gather to learn about emotional wellbeing, share experiences and reconnect with themselves and others in a peaceful setting.
A place where families can attend gentle wellbeing events connected to the River Room project, and where professionals can explore trauma-informed practice and safeguarding in a reflective and supportive environment.
This is not about building something large or commercial. It is about creating something thoughtful, calm and meaningful that supports people and communities over time.
A Place for Connection, Reflection and Wellbeing
Our intention is to develop a small wellbeing space at Harestanes in the Scottish Borders, where we will gradually begin offering:
• small group wellbeing retreats
• community reflection gatherings
• trauma-informed learning sessions
• family wellbeing events connected to the River Room project
• professional learning and safeguarding workshops
This space will allow us to create experiences that feel slower, more reflective and more connected to nature.
Groups will remain intentionally small to maintain the atmosphere of safety and connection that sits at the heart of our work.
Services & Opportunities
As A Positive Start, CIC continues to grow, and the development of the Harestanes wellbeing space will allow us to expand the services we already provide while introducing new approaches that support emotional wellbeing, healing and connection.
Our intention is to gradually offer a range of services, including:
Counselling and Psychotherapy
We will continue offering trauma-informed counselling and psychotherapy for individuals seeking support with emotional wellbeing, trauma, relationships and life challenges.
Sessions remain person-centred and compassionate, providing a safe space where people can explore their experiences and move forward at their own pace.
Veterans Support Day
A Positive Start CIC recognises the unique experiences that veterans bring from service. As part of the development of the Harestanes Wellbeing Space, we will offer a regular, dedicated Veterans Support Day that provides structured, trauma-informed therapeutic support in a calm, relational setting.
This service will be delivered by Vanessa Westermann, Counselling Psychotherapist (MA), and supported onsite by Deborah J Crozier, Founder of A Positive Start CIC and Trauma-Informed Practitioner.
The pathway is designed for veterans who may be experiencing adjustment challenges, emotional overwhelm, loss of identity after service, relationship changes, or the longer-term impact of service-related experiences. Sessions focus on emotional regulation, confidence-building, and creating space to explore experiences at a manageable pace.
This provision reflects our commitment to supporting the well-being of veterans within the Scottish Borders community.
Learning, Placement and Volunteer Pathways
As part of the Harestanes vision, A Positive Start CIC is committed to creating supported pathways for people who want to contribute to community wellbeing, whether through professional training, lived experience, or volunteering.
We believe there are many routes into helping work. Some begin with academic study, others with life experience, and many with a simple desire to make a difference.
These pathways allow people to grow in confidence, develop skills, and contribute meaningfully within a safe and supported environment.
Student Counsellor Placements
The Harestanes space will allow us to continue offering supervised placement opportunities for student counsellors, helping them develop their skills while expanding access to counselling support within the community.
Placements are carefully supported through clinical supervision and reflective practice, ensuring safe and ethical learning for both students and clients.
Lived Experience Practitioners (LEPs)
We also recognise the important contribution of Lived Experience Practitioners — people whose knowledge comes through personal experience of adversity, recovery, caregiving, or supporting others in their communities.
LEPs bring insight, authenticity and relational understanding that cannot be taught through textbooks alone. Similar to peer-support approaches, they focus on areas they know and care about most deeply.
This role is offered through a structured 12-month volunteer development programme, which includes:
• practical skills training
• safeguarding awareness
• supported reflective learning
• clear boundaries and ethical guidance
• opportunities to build confidence, voice and experience within a trauma-informed setting
The programme supports growth and contribution within the community. While it does not guarantee employment, it provides a meaningful pathway for learning, participation, and future opportunities across the wider helping professions and community sector.
Community Volunteers
Volunteers play an essential role in the life of A Positive Start CIC.
At Harestanes, volunteer opportunities may include supporting wellbeing events, helping with community gatherings, assisting with the River Room project, contributing practical skills, or offering time and presence to strengthen connections across the community.
All volunteers are welcome as part of a supportive learning environment and are offered guidance appropriate to their role.
Together, student counsellors, lived experience practitioners, and volunteers help create a community space that reflects our belief that healing happens in connection, and that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
APS Early Intervention Craving Pathway™
We will be offering a structured Early Intervention Craving Pathway™ using Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for adults who would like support with stress-related coping behaviours such as alcohol use, smoking, cannabis use, chocolate cravings, or other habits linked to emotional overwhelm.
This gentle, trauma-informed approach combines tapping techniques with emotional awareness and nervous system understanding to help reduce stress activation, increase self-regulation, and strengthen confidence in managing cravings before they become more established patterns.
The pathway is designed as an early support option for people who recognise changes in their coping strategies and would like practical tools to feel more balanced, calm, and in control.
Reconnect & Regulate Programme
We also offer our Reconnect & Regulate eight-week programme — a gentle, small-group learning experience designed to support people in returning to themselves after trauma, stress or periods of overwhelm.
Reconnect & Regulate is about rebuilding a sense of safety within, so that the nervous system no longer has to remain in survival mode. As regulation begins to strengthen, many people find they feel more present, more grounded, and more able to connect — first with themselves, and then with others.
When we are dysregulated, life can feel chaotic or numb. We may feel constantly on edge, shut down, or caught in patterns we don’t fully understand. Regulation isn’t about perfection. It’s about developing awareness of what is happening inside us and learning practical ways to respond rather than react.
Each weekly two-hour session explores a different theme that supports self-understanding and connection. These include:
• creating safety
• congruence
• persona
• attunement
• communication
• flow
• permission
• connection
Together, these sessions provide a structured yet compassionate pathway for strengthening emotional awareness, understanding of the nervous system, and relational confidence within a supportive group setting.
You can learn more about the programme here:
Read about Our Reconnect & Regulate Program Here
Walk and Talk Therapy
The natural surroundings of Harestanes offer a wonderful opportunity to introduce Walk-and-Talk Therapy.
Some people find it easier to reflect and talk while walking in a calm outdoor environment. These sessions combine the benefits of movement, nature and conversation in a supportive therapeutic setting.
Holistic Therapies
Alongside counselling and psychotherapy, we hope to offer a range of holistic wellbeing therapies that support relaxation, emotional balance and overall wellbeing.
These may include practices that support nervous system regulation, stress reduction and restorative self-care, complementing the therapeutic work already offered through A Positive Start CIC.
Small Group Wellbeing Retreats
Small-group retreat days will offer opportunities for deeper reflection, learning, and connection.
These retreats will focus on themes such as:
• nervous system regulation
• emotional wellbeing
• boundaries and self-understanding
• recovery from trauma and overwhelm
Groups will remain intentionally small (maximum 8 participants) to maintain a calm and supportive atmosphere.
Survivors Speakers Corner
Survivors Speakers Corner is a gentle, respectful space for women and girls who have experienced abuse, where lived experience can be shared safely, in each person’s own time and in their own way.
This event invites survivors of adversity to speak, listen, reflect, or simply be present alongside others who understand that healing often begins with being heard. There is no pressure to speak. Participation can be quiet, creative, spoken, or simply witnessed.
Through storytelling, poetry, reflection, and conversation, Survivors Speakers Corner helps transform personal experience into connection, strength, and meaning — reminding us that no one walks their journey alone.
The space is facilitated in a trauma-informed, person-centred way, with care taken to ensure emotional safety, choice, and respect throughout.
This is not about performance.
It is about voice.
It is about courage.
It is about community.
River Room Family Wellbeing Events
As the River Room project develops, we hope to offer family wellbeing learning days where children, parents, carers and teachers can explore emotional awareness, confidence and resilience together through storytelling, music and shared experience.
These sessions will introduce the River Room Songbook, alongside the songs and movements from My Body is My Body and Say No to Secrets, helping families develop a shared understanding of emotional safety, body awareness, and communication in ways that feel accessible and supportive for all ages.
Learning together as families creates opportunities for children and the adults around them to build a common language for wellbeing that can continue at home, in schools and across the wider community.
Over time, these sessions may include:
• River Room Songbook learning days for children and families
• My Body is My Body and Say No to Secrets movement-based learning
• confidence-building activities through music and storytelling
• shared emotional awareness activities for parents and children
• practical tools families can continue using at home
These events are designed to feel welcoming, gentle and inclusive for families at different stages of their wellbeing journey.
Outdoor Family Wellbeing Events
During warmer months and good weather, we also hope to host outdoor wellbeing events within the natural surroundings of Harestanes.
Spending time together in nature can support calm, connection and reflection. Outdoor sessions will introduce simple movement-based practices that support nervous system regulation and shared well-being for children and adults alike.
These may include:
• family Qigong sessions
• gentle Tai Chi
• outdoor yoga
• seasonal wellbeing gatherings
• reflective walks and nature-based activities
These events will create relaxed opportunities for families to connect while exploring practices that support emotional balance and resilience.
Workshops for Parents, Carers and Professionals
The Harestanes space will also allow us to host structured workshops that support adults in strengthening emotional understanding, communication and safeguarding awareness.
These may include:
• STAND – Parents as Protectors safeguarding awareness workshops
• Reconnect & Regulate emotional wellbeing sessions
• nervous system awareness learning
• boundary-setting and relational communication workshops
• introductory energy awareness and self-regulation practices
We also hope to collaborate with therapists, practitioners and holistic teachers who share our commitment to compassionate, trauma-informed support, gradually bringing a wider range of learning opportunities to the Harestanes wellbeing community.
Creative Wellbeing and Collaborative Projects
At Harestanes, we also hope to support creative wellbeing through collaborative projects that help people reconnect with parts of themselves that may have been lost due to stress, trauma, or life transitions.
For some individuals, creativity can become a pathway back to confidence, identity and purpose. This may include working alongside practitioners to develop personal writing, music, storytelling or other meaningful projects that reflect their experiences and strengths.
This approach sits at the heart of our person-centred practice. Rather than following a fixed programme, creative work grows from each individual’s interests, skills and hopes.
Examples of this kind of work may include:
• collaborative songwriting and music development
• storytelling and reflective writing projects
• creating wellbeing resources for others
• contributing to community learning materials such as the River Room Songbook
• rediscovering creative strengths following periods of difficulty or change
Sometimes reconnecting with creativity can help people rediscover confidence, voice, and direction in ways that feel natural and sustainable.
Over time, we hope Harestanes will become a space where creative ideas can grow into shared resources that support both personal healing and community wellbeing
A Collaborative Wellbeing Space
As the Harestanes project grows, we also hope to collaborate with other therapists, practitioners and holistic teachers who share our commitment to safe, compassionate and trauma-informed support.
This collaborative approach allows us to gradually bring a wider range of wellbeing opportunities to the Scottish Borders community, while keeping the atmosphere of Harestanes calm, relational and community-centred.
Together, we are creating a space where learning, healing and connection can develop naturally over time
Rooted in Our Values
Everything we offer through A Positive Start CIC is guided by four simple values.
Safe – creating environments where people feel calm and respected
Seen – acknowledging people’s experiences without judgement
Heard – offering space for reflection and shared learning
Connected – building supportive relationships and community
These values will continue to guide the development of the Harestanes Wellbeing Space.
Building a Sustainable Future
As this project develops, we also want to ensure that A Positive Start CIC’s work remains sustainable in the future.
For that reason, we are introducing A Positive Start Wellbeing Community – a gentle membership community where people can continue to connect, learn and support the development of this work.
Members will have access to:
• monthly wellbeing gatherings
• supportive learning resources
• community connection
• priority invitations to retreat days at Harestanes
Our Circle of Foundation Supporters
To help us take the first steps on this journey, we are inviting a small Circle of Foundation Supporters.
Foundation supporters are people who believe in the vision of creating spaces where individuals and families can feel safe, seen, heard and connected. Their monthly contribution helps sustain A Positive Start CIC’s work and supports the development of the Harestanes Wellbeing Project. Foundation supporters can choose a £10 or £15 monthly contribution, and this founding rate will remain in place as the community grows.
As a gesture of appreciation, members of our Circle of Foundation Supporters will each receive a small Tree of Life pin, presented in a keepsake box. The Tree of Life symbolises growth, connection and resilience – reflecting the community we are building together. It is a simple reminder that your support is helping create spaces where people can feel safe, seen, heard and connected.
Looking Ahead
The development of the Harestanes wellbeing space will take place gradually over time.
Our focus is not on rapid growth, but on creating something thoughtful, calm and genuinely supportive for the people we serve.
We are excited to share this next chapter with our community.
Belong to Something That Matters
The Harestanes Wellbeing Space is growing gradually as part of a shared vision to create calm, reflective environments where people can feel safe, seen, heard and connected.
Through the A Positive Start Wellbeing Community and our Circle of Foundation Supporters, individuals can help shape the development of this space while staying connected to learning opportunities, gatherings and community wellbeing events.
Your involvement helps make this work possible — not only for today, but for the future of the communities we serve.
If you would like to learn more about the Wellbeing Community or become part of the Circle of Foundation Supporters, please click the button below and be part of the change we are growing together..