Latest news with #SAMH
Press and Journal
3 hours ago
- Health
- Press and Journal
Charity could step in to help Aberdeen children after school counselling service 'snatched away'
A national charity could help to rescue Aberdeen's school counselling service after the existing provider suddenly went bust, leaving hundreds of pupils without the vital sessions. The young people, some of them particularly vulnerable, were not given any notice before Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA) shut down with immediate effect on July 24, while they were on their summer holidays. It meant they had no time to prepare for losing the support or to say goodbye to their trusted counsellors with whom they had built trust and understanding. The Press and Journal has learned that the national charity Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) is in talks to take over some of MHA's contracted responsibilities. The chief executive of SAMH, Billy Watson, said that he was deeply saddened at MHA's demise, and his thoughts were with everyone affected. 'At SAMH, we support many people with mental health problems in the North East of Scotland,' Mr Watson said, 'and we have been involved in a series of early discussions with a number of key stakeholders, including Aberdeen City Council, to see what might be helpful and possible in this difficult situation.' Aberdeen City Council plans to announce an MHA post-collapse recovery plan within the coming days, after holding talks with potential alternative providers. A local authority spokeswoman confirmed: 'We have been liaising with a number of partners to see how best to address the situation and are on track to share details before the end of this week.' Previously, Aberdeen Counselling and Information Services (ACIS) Youth, one of six now-defunct projects run by MHA, offered around 13,000 appointments annually. ACIS Youth counsellors worked in every Aberdeen secondary school. They also had coverage across all primaries. Children and young people up to 18 had access to weekly one-to-one talking therapy, with as many as 12 free sessions offered. – Former MHA school counsellor An ex-MHA school counsellor, who asked not to be named, said she felt 'very sad' about her former employer's handling of the financially unstable charity's closure. 'I have great concern for the young people, who through no fault of their own, lost a vital service without any warning and were expected to find out about it in a statement posted on Facebook – not from their counsellors,' the woman said. 'Being told you've suddenly had that safe place to talk with someone you trust with your most personal thoughts and feelings snatched away is frightening. 'It may have made them feel scared and alone, after working so hard to build a relationship of trust with the counsellors whom they would look forward to seeing at their next counselling session.' The governance and financial management of MHA are currently under investigation by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). We previously reported that a watchdog official had confirmed the regulator was made aware of 'a number of concerns' that included allegations of 'inappropriate' spending. After assessing the information complainers had shared with them, officials escalated the matter by opening an ongoing inquiry. Earlier, we reported that up to four months of pension deductions and employer contributions were missing from former MHA workers' retirement schemes, contradicting information on their payslips.
The Star
6 days ago
- General
- The Star
Club upgrades special needs school in Klang
Members of the Apex Club of Klang and several Australian Apex Clubs during the event. AUSTRALIAN Apex clubs members, together with their Klang counterparts, teamed up for a tree-planting initiative to promote environmental stewardship. 'It was a simple way to address heatwaves that regularly make headlines. 'Strategically planting trees and shrubs gave us an opportunity to foster fellowship, friendship and community service,' said Apex Club of Klang president Anil Menon. The Association of Apex Clubs is a global service organisation which undertake community service and fellowship activities. Clubs worldwide adopt and organise their own local tree-planting events as part of a collective Apex Global Tree-Planting Initiative. Anil said 50 shrubs and fruit trees that included rambutan, mango and guava were planted on the grounds of the Selangor Association for Mentally Handicapped (SAMH) in Southern Park, Klang. He said the project united Apex members with a common environmental goal. (from left) Charlotte Curnow, 12, Leon Wattie, nine, and Amelia Wattie, six, from Australia, planting shrubs at the SAMH grounds in Klang. — Photos: KK SHAM/The Star 'Our action demonstrates a commitment to reduce carbon footprint,' he said. Apex Global chairman Simon Grant, an Australian, said strategically planting trees and shrubs to shade the classrooms at SAMH could lower air, wall and roof temperatures during heatwaves. 'There are lots of other reasons to plant trees. Besides providing food and housing for birds and insects, trees give clean air as they soak up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as there is high traffic on Jalan Langat that borders SAMH,' he added. Anil said Apex Club of Klang chose SAMH because the Australian Apex Clubs had built SAMH in the 1980s. 'It was a nostalgic return for some to refurbish the building that still serves the special children,' he added. Apex Club of Fraser Coast, Queensland (Australia) member Quinn Fattik said he spent three days with other Apex members to refurbish the classrooms, toilets and surroundings of SAMH. 'Our members volunteered to paint the building of the special school, repair the toilets and repaint the building,' said Fattik, who was accompanied by his wife and two children. 'The Klang Apex Club is grateful to the 14 Australian Apex Clubs and individuals who have contributed their time to upgrade SAMH special school and those who were involved in the tree planting,' said Anil.
Daily Record
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Pole and burlesque showcase takes place in Ayrshire for the first time
There will be a charity raffle on the night in support of Scottish Association for Mental Health. A pole and burlesque showcase is to take place in Ayrshire for the first time. The event hits the stage on Friday, August 29, from 7pm until 10pm, at Stewarton Area Centre in Kilmarnock. Nikky Tawny, organiser of the upcoming show and instructor at PB Dance & Fitness in Kilmarnock, said: "I'm so excited to bring this kind of show to the local area. "It's a celebration of creativity, confidence, and community with no competition pressure, just the joy of performing. It's a chance for dancers of all levels to showcase what they've worked so hard on, and I know the audience will be blown away by the talent on display. "Expect an evening of entertainment filled with powerful performances from pole dancers and burlesque artists alike. We have a mix of solo acts and group routines, some are elegant and emotional, others are cheeky and playful. It's a vibrant, inclusive celebration of self-expression, with something for everyone to enjoy." The show is largely a one-woman operation, organised by Nikky with the support of friends, family and the local dance community. Nikky said: "While I take the lead on planning and coordination, I've been lucky to have help with everything from set-up and promotion to costume prep and moral support. It really is a community effort behind the scenes." There are over 20 performers involved in the show, with a variety of group and solo routines. Nikky said: "The showcase is more than just a performance night, it's a celebration of strength, resilience, body confidence, and community. For many of our dancers, getting up on stage is a huge personal milestone. Whether it's their first time or their tenth, each performer brings something unique and heartfelt. I really hope the audience feels that energy." The showcase is a non-profit production, with all ticket sales going directly toward covering event costs. Additionally, there will be a charity raffle on the night in support of Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH). Nikky added: "Supporting SAMH is something very personal to me. I've faced my own mental health challenges since my teenage years, and I know first hand how vital support and awareness can be. Many of our performers have similar stories, and we wanted to use the platform of this show to raise funds and awareness for a cause that resonates deeply with us all." Tickets for the Pole & Burlesque Showcase are now on sale here.
Edinburgh Live
07-07-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh man leads tributes for 'caring and selfless' friend after tragic loss
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Edinburgh man has completed a touching for his best friend after a tragic loss. Thomas Robertson met Finlay MacDonald at school in Edinburgh, and the pair went on to study at the University of St Andrews. Finlay was lost to suicide last year, with those who loved him hailing him as a 'caring and selfless' young man. On July 6, Thomas ran from St Andrews to Merchiston Castle School in the capital. He was joined by friends and family for the final kilometre, and feels 'relieved to have something so terrible have a positive impact'. The run raised over £28,800 for Scottish Action for Mental Health. It will support at least 12 schools, who will benefit from the charity's peer supporter programme. Thomas, 20, said: "I wanted to start my run at Finlay's university in St Andrews, before finishing at our school in Edinburgh where we were classmates. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "The run gave me a lot of time to think about Finlay, and how lucky I was to have him as a friend. It was really fun waking up every day knowing you're going to see your best friend. "There are so many Finlays out there who have lost their lives to suicide, and it just shows how much more we need to do. "I'm relieved that something so terrible that happened will now have a positive impact on schools in Edinburgh. People see the value in supporting mental health, and I'm really grateful that people have been generous enough to donate." (Image: SAMH) Catriona Wilson, Mass Participation Events Manager at SAMH, said: 'It's been an absolute privilege to support Thomas in this challenge, and to witness the strength and heart he's poured into honouring Finlay's memory in such a powerful way. "Thomas's incredible efforts have helped reduce the stigma around suicide and encouraged people to open up and ask for help. With his help, and everyone who has donated, at least 12 additional schools will now benefit from SAMH's Peer Supporter programme." Rev. Nick Blair, Chaplain at Merchiston Castle School where Thomas and Finlay were pupils together, said:"Community defines Merchiston. A year ago, we mourned with the MacDonald family after losing their beloved Finlay. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "Today, we unite again, supporting his close friend Thomas, whose fundraising effort in Finlay's memory is deeply moving. The solidarity from old boys, parents, staff and pupils shows who we are: a community that stands together. "It's also a moment to stress that young men must never feel ashamed to discuss their mental health. Breaking silence saves lives. "Today, we run with Thomas and raise our voices with SAMH, honouring Finlay and supporting vital mental health work."
Edinburgh Live
03-07-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh man takes on double marathon in memory of 'selfless' best friend
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Edinburgh man is taking on an 86-kilometre challenge in memory of his best friend who tragically died by suicide last year. Thomas Robertson, 20, is set to run from the University of St. Andrews to the school they both attended, Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, on Sunday, July 6 to raise vital funds for Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH). He has already raised an incredible £20,000 ahead of the challenge, which will be donated in honour of Finlay MacDonald. Thomas said: 'Finlay was an amazing friend to me. He was caring, loving, selfless, and all his priority was that everyone around him was okay. 'His passing was a massive shock and left me questioning why such terrible things happen to the best of people. It made me realise just how important mental health is and how much more needs to be done to support it. 'I wanted to start my run at Finlay's university in St Andrews, before finishing at our school in Edinburgh where we were classmates.' The money that Thomas raises from this epic challenge, which is longer than two back-to-back marathons, will go towards funding SAMH's Peer Supporter programme. This programme sets out to increase the mental health knowledge and skills of young people, parents and carers, volunteers and staff through free workshops and information sessions in schools. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox He added: 'I wanted something that was going to resonate with Finlay, who struggled with mental health during school. SAMH's programme creates a really warm, safe environment where kids can just talk about mental health mental and help remove the stigma.' Catriona Wilson, Mass Participation Events Manager at SAMH, said: "We're honoured that Thomas has chosen to support SAMH with this incredible challenge. 'Our Peer Supporter programme has helped over 10,000 people in South Lanarkshire alone, and with the help of Thomas and everyone who has donated so far, at least 12 additional schools in Edinburgh will now benefit. 'By sharing his story, Thomas has also helped reduce the stigma around suicide and mental health. We can't wait to join his friends and family as we celebrate with him at the finish line on Sunday.' Thomas's challenge will finish at Merchiston Castle School with a lap of the school's cross country course and anyone wishing to join him on his run is welcome to at any time. Rev. Nick Blair, Chaplain at the school, said: "Community defines Merchiston. A year ago, we mourned with the MacDonald family after losing their beloved Finlay. Today, we unite again, supporting his close friend Thomas, whose fundraising effort in Finlay's memory is deeply moving. "The solidarity from old boys, parents, staff and pupils shows who we are: a community that stands together. It's also a moment to stress that young men must never feel ashamed to discuss their mental health. "Breaking silence saves lives. Today, we run with Thomas and raise our voices with SAMH, honouring Finlay and supporting vital mental health work." As well as raising funds, Thomas is also encouraging those suffering from mental health problems to ask for help. He added: "Reach out and ask for help. What I would look at as a strong man is someone who looks for help when they're struggling." You can donate to his fundraiser here. For more information or support on the issues discussed in this article, visit
