A West Lothian charity that helps younger individuals struggling psychological well being points is celebrating after being named Scottish Charity of the Yr 2022.
SMILE Counselling presents a free counselling service for 11 to 24 year- olds all through West Lothian.
Its devoted group purpose to make a constructive affect on the lives of those that are having issues with household or college, anxiousness, despair, anger or simply want to speak to somebody, however discover it troublesome to speak to these closest to them.
The charity’s companies embody face-to-face counselling classes, one-to-one telephone calls, emails and on-line chat.
Fellow West Lothian charity The Larder was additionally shortlisted.
Declan Harrigan, founder/CEO of SMILE Counselling paid tribute to The Larder, saying they discovered themselves in a class filled with very worthy causes.
He stated: “We had been completely shocked and overwhelmed at profitable Scottish Charity of the Yr 2022.
“In a class filled with deserving winners, particularly The Larder additionally from West Lothian, we had been humbled and graciously accepted the award not solely on behalf of our workers, volunteers, and trustees however on behalf of all our shoppers, college students and members who all embody SMILE companies. Each charity on the night deserved to be charity of the 12 months for my part.
“The fervour, drive, and dedication within the third sector to instil change for the higher makes me proud each day that I set SMILE Counselling up as a 3rd sector service.
“This award signifies a recognition of the really demanding, however rewarding, work we're concerned in – recognising our wonderful group and their willingness to go that additional mile to do what is required for his or her shoppers.
“We don’t need to must exist for kids and younger individuals, nevertheless, so long as they want us, we shall be there.
“Our imaginative and prescient has all the time been to have the ability to replicate what we now have performed in West Lothian over the past seven years in different counties and this shall be a part of our future plans.
“No youngster ought to be left behind or with out assist. If this award shines a brighter gentle on the necessity for extra companies for psychological well being in kids companies, then this will solely be constructive.
“We're very proud to be this 12 months’s charity of the 12 months. We're nonetheless emotional and in a little bit of disbelief, however we are going to settle for it with pleasure and as an indicator to maintain pushing ahead for constructive change and it reveals that with imaginative and prescient and fervour, nothing is not possible.”
The judges stated: “They assist the younger individuals who come via their doorways throughout occasions of problem with a people-led, listening strategy to supporting psychological wellbeing.
“After a 12 months of giant change and development, SMILE Counselling continues to supply new initiatives to assist additional consciousness round psychological well being and wellbeing, has developed a brand new coaching division and can quickly have delivered bespoke one-to-one counselling to 1000 shoppers.”
Run yearly by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrates the very best of the voluntary sector and this 12 months’s shortlist included 44 people and organisations from charities, social enterprises and voluntary teams throughout the nation.
Anna Fowlie, chief government of SCVO stated: “At SCVO we all know that each day, voluntary organisations throughout the nation are working tirelessly to assist the individuals and communities they assist, and are making an unbelievable affect.
“We’re thrilled to have been capable of be a part of collectively in individual to rejoice the achievements of our finalists and winners after internet hosting the earlier two years’ ceremonies on-line.
“This 12 months’s finalists have all demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and dedication to their communities and it's a privilege to have the ability to rejoice their successes.
“Congratulations to all winners!”
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