Aberdeen counsellors seek to save youth mental health services
Ex-employees told BBC Scotland News it was "devastating" for young people to be left so suddenly without counselling and they want to set up a new charity.Alan McTamney was involved in the charity's ACIS Youth scheme which offered free one-to-one therapeutic counselling to young people.Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime programme, he said a number of those involved in the scheme were looking at setting up their own charity to provide a similar service.He said he hoped it could "maybe send a message to our client group that they're not forgotten, and we haven't abandoned them".
Escalate mental health issues
"There are no other services in Aberdeen city that do what we do," he said."We would be very worried about how that escalates mental health issues."Mr McTamney said there had been a huge demand for counselling services in schools.He said: "Last year we offered in excess of 12,000 appointments, and that only gets bigger the more we're able to attend to the needs of children and young people."
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BBC News
4 days ago
- BBC News
Aberdeen counsellors seek to save youth mental health services
Counsellors at one of Scotland's oldest mental health charities are trying to save its youth service - after it closed suddenly leaving about 1,000 children and young people without Health Aberdeen, which operated for 75 years, announced last week it was shutting with immediate said it faced a "complex set of circumstances and rising operational costs". However, former staff are trying to restart some services, including those previously provided in every primary and secondary school in the city, as well as student counselling. Ex-employees told BBC Scotland News it was "devastating" for young people to be left so suddenly without counselling and they want to set up a new McTamney was involved in the charity's ACIS Youth scheme which offered free one-to-one therapeutic counselling to young to BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime programme, he said a number of those involved in the scheme were looking at setting up their own charity to provide a similar said he hoped it could "maybe send a message to our client group that they're not forgotten, and we haven't abandoned them". Escalate mental health issues "There are no other services in Aberdeen city that do what we do," he said."We would be very worried about how that escalates mental health issues."Mr McTamney said there had been a huge demand for counselling services in said: "Last year we offered in excess of 12,000 appointments, and that only gets bigger the more we're able to attend to the needs of children and young people."
Scottish Sun
20-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Iconic Scots comedian and ex-radio host diagnosed with prostate cancer as stand-up urges other men to get checked
THE 68-year-old hadn't been displaying any symptoms but following his most recent check-up, doctors broke the news to him 'GET TESTED' Iconic Scots comedian and ex-radio host diagnosed with prostate cancer as stand-up urges other men to get checked Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTS comedy icon Fred MacAulay has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The standup has had regular checks after his father and big brother were diagnosed with the illness. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Comedian Fred MacAulay has revealed that he has prostate cancer Credit: Getty 2 The funnyman used to host the MacAulay and Co. show on BBC Radio Scotland Credit: PA:Press Association The 68-year-old hadn't been displaying any symptoms but following his most recent check-up, doctors broke the news to him. But the radio host is adamant that he won't let his diagnosis get to him. Fred told The Sunday Post: "I'm determined not to let a prostate cancer diagnosis get me down. I've even managed to stay away from the internet because I'd just scare myself to death. "It wasn't until my own father developed prostate cancer and then my older brother was diagnosed too that I actively decided I'd better do something to explore whether I was also at risk." The comic's father, also named Fred, passed away aged 73 in 2002. He had faced a lengthy battle with prostate cancer and mesothelioma. Fred said: "When my brother Duncan, who is now 72, was diagnosed with prostate cancer eight years ago, I thought it was about time I took the hint and got checked out. "I'm lucky enough to be able to get the incredibly accurate MRI tests, which can show things up quickly. "When it became clear I'm more at risk because of the prevalence of prostate cancer in my family, I've been getting tested every couple of years. "After the last test a few weeks ago, my doctors got back to me and advised further action was needed. "Although I've not had any symptoms, the final tests came back positive just a few days ago and I am waiting to see what the medical team advise is my next step." Fred is focused on spreading awareness about prostate cancer and is urging other men to get checked out. David Beckham is left with a huge BALD patch after DIY haircut blunder - and wife Victoria admits 'it looks terrible' He said: "I hope by speaking up this will encourage other men to get checked out too. It could save their lives. "My brother and my family and friends are all good about speaking up about prostate cancer. But I know not everyone is. "It's always been a scary thing to talk about, but with all the progress in medicine, the best thing to do is be aware, get tested and catch it quickly as it gives you the best possible chance of beating it." Fred, from Perth, previously presented the Macaulay and Co. daily show on BBC Radio Scotland. The father-of-three has worked as an accountant and is married to his teenage sweetheart, Aileen.
Wales Online
06-06-2025
- Wales Online
BBC radio presenter announces cancer diagnosis
BBC radio presenter announces cancer diagnosis he broadcaster, 59, announced on Thursday that he would be stepping back from his early evening programme Michelle McManus and Bryan Burnett at Paisley Abbey promoting Children in need event there to be broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland. (Image: Paisley Daily Express ) BBC Radio Scotland presenter Bryan Burnett has announced that he will be taking a break from his presenting role following a cancer diagnosis. The broadcaster, 59, announced on Thursday that he would be stepping back from his early evening programme Get It On to undergo appendiceal cancer treatment. Speaking on air, he said the tumour was first discovered earlier this year while he was having surgery to remove his appendix. He said: "Appendix cancer is incredibly rare but the good news is it is treatable, but I do have to have some fairly hefty abdominal surgery next week. "It's going to mean I am going to be off work for a couple of months and you know how hard I will find that. However, I'm expected to make a full recovery, which is good news, and will be back on air, on the show that I truly love, later in the year. "Those of you who are regular listeners know that we are such a close team on Get It On, so I also want to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to my brilliant producers for all the hand-holding and encouragement they've given me since they found out my news. I'm sure they will let you know how I'm doing over the next few weeks." Article continues below In a statement he said his treatment will begin next week and will involve abdominal surgery and chemotherapy. Burnett said: "I've experienced the most incredible care and kindness from the NHS staff who have been looking after me. "My surgeon is a Get It On listener so I know I'm in good hands. "I will really miss the music and the chat when I'm off but our listeners have given me hundreds of great playlists so that will keep me going over the next few months." Broadcaster Grant Stott will step in to present the show in his absence. Hayley Valentine, director BBC Scotland, said: "Bryan is one of our most popular broadcasters on Radio Scotland and I know listeners will join us in wishing him well as he embarks on his treatment. Article continues below "We look forward to welcoming him back to the Get It On studio once he's recovered."
