Heids Up

Mental health can be a rollercoaster ride, an adrenaline rush of dizzying highs tempered with debilitating lows.

In this vibrant anthology by Edinburgh writers, Neil Renton and Mark Fleming, fiction and memoirs create a tapestry of shared human experience; sometimes disturbing, often hilarious, always life-affirming.

“Stories and memoirs that will entertain, enlighten and occasionally shock. These lads are the real deal.” IAN RANKIN

“Tough, tender and crackling with energy, these stories take you through the highs and lows of everyday existence. Refreshing, open-hearted, with just enough bite.” ALAN BISSETT

“Quality writing, throwing sucker punches, laughs and honesty.” TOMMY MACKAY

Containing over 50 pieces of vibrant fiction and non-fiction, HEIDS UP will resonate with anyone who has faced issues of their own, directly or indirectly.

Renton and Fleming met through The Changing Room, a support group run by Scottish Action for Mental Health, running in partnership with over 20 senior football clubs across Scotland. Aimed at the demographic least likely to address issues - men in their 'middle years' - the programme was pioneered at Hibernian FC in Edinburgh in April 2018, and was so successful, a similar programme was rolled out at Heart of Midlothian FC six months later (and endorsed by longstanding mental health advocate, Prince William). The Changing Room now encourages adults of all ages to share stories in a confidential space.