New publisher’s mental health support ranges get HRH seal of approval just two weeks after launch
Getting the royal seal of approval at any time is brilliant but for a publisher who only launched a couple of weeks ago it’s pretty spectacular.
And that’s just what’s happened with Brilliantly Brave, the brand-new greeting card venture from Jean Pryde and Stuart Cox, who were able to explain to HRH The Princess Royal all about their designs which support free-at-the-point-of-delivery mental wellbeing training, coaching, and peer-support.
“We were also able to present Her Royal Highness with a pack of our innovative cards,” Jean explained, “symbolising the community’s appreciation for her support and interest in local mental health initiatives.”
Her Royal Highness was visiting RAF Lossiemouth Community Hub in Scotland on Thursday, 1 February, where she engaged with local community leaders and innovators, spotlighting the vital work being undertaken to support mental health and wellbeing in the region.
A prominent figure in the area’s mental health advocacy, Jean founded and runs Green Ribbons Mental Health Coaching & Training, and she and graphic designer Stuart, creator of the I Like Birds brand who also has a background in the mental health field, have started Brilliantly Brave with four ranges “turning everyday sentiments into powerful tools for mental wellbeing”.
At the royal event Jean shared insights into her initiatives aimed at fostering support networks in Forres and Lossiemouth, where she is instrumental in running The Midlife Mingle menopause support group as well as Lossiemouth Mental Health Peer-Support Group, which is the initial beneficiary of Brilliantly Brave’s work.
Stuart added: “Princess Anne spent around 10 minutes with Jean talking about the peer-support group, Midlife Mingle and Brilliantly Brave. I took hundreds of photos, only a few were any good with just one showing Jean and Her Royal Highness. She was handed a selection of cards at the end – naturally I didn’t get that shot as someone walked right in front of me!”
Jean’s philosophy for the card ranges is to “intertwine the art of thoughtful communication with the science of mental health support” aiming to break new ground in community wellbeing.
“Whether you give or receive our cards we hope they give people a lift and in doing so they’re funding tangible mental health and wellbeing training and support in the community. We think that’s a win/win!”
Profits from the publishing business are going to be directed towards creating “a more resilient community” as selling 1,000 cards will provide a two-day mental health first aid training course to 16 people, or set up a longer-term peer-support group and, eventually, they’ll be looking at hiring freelance specialist trainers in fields such as adhd or neurodiversity.
Stuart added: “The royal encounter underscores the commitment of community leaders and supporters to enhancing mental health awareness and support through creative and sustainable avenues. It’s hoped this visit will inspire further support and recognition of the importance of mental health initiatives within the community and beyond.”
