Picture: Chloe Watson Community and Events Fundraiser at SAMH (left) and George McLean, Fuze Brand Ambassador (right)
Tell us a little bit about your role in SAMH?
I am one of the Community and Events Fundraisers at SAMH. I cover part of the Central Belt and, up to and including, the Western Isles supporting those who come to SAMH looking to raise funds for the mental health cause. It’s a role where I get to support a lot of different people doing some amazing things for Scotland’s mental health – from marathons, to overseas treks, charity balls and online gaming streams just to mention a few. We are really lucky at SAMH to have such passionate and informed supporters who really want to champion mental health.
For me no two days are ever the same. My favourite aspect of the role is getting the chance to meet supporters, to hear their stories and share in their experiences – it really brings it all home as to why raising funds is so, so important.
Can you start by telling us about your wonderful charity and the great work that you do?
Around since 1923, SAMH is Scotland’s national mental health charity. For almost a century, SAMH has been there for Scotland’s mental health.
Today, in over 60 communities we work with adults and young people providing mental health social care support, services in primary care, schools and further education, among others. These services together with our national programme work in See Me, respectme, suicide prevention and active living; inform our policy and campaign work to influence positive social change.
SAMH is dedicated to mental health and wellbeing for all: with a vision of a society where people are able to live their lives fully, regardless of present or past circumstances.
Raise funds the Stomp way for SAMH
How has the pandemic impacted SAMH over the past two years?
Like most organisations in the country we had to adapt our way of working pretty quickly when restrictions came in to place. We also understood the desire for accessible mental health information. As a result we created the Coronavirus Information Hub offering practical advice and tips to support people and help protect their mental health during a challenge time for all of us.
Our Time for You service was also created during the pandemic which is a source of free, online mental health and wellbeing support for frontline workers, allowing them to choose the level of support most suited to them and their circumstances.
Even before the pandemic, the mental health system was under strain. Now amidst a growing mental health crisis in Scotland we recently launched our new three year strategy called We Won’t Wait. There is a lot planned over the next three years and we’ll be putting the voices and views of people who are affected by mental health problems at the heart of our approach.
What does it mean for SAMH to have support from The Fuze Foundation over the next 12 months?
“We are so thankful to The Fuze Foundation for their support of Scotland’s mental health. At SAMH, we know how a mental health problem can affect everything. It can have the most profound impact on our relationships, our work, our wellbeing, and our quality of life. The funds from The Fuze Foundation will help SAMH raise awareness, promote good mental health and support those in Scotland who need it most.”
Where do you see collaborations with The Fuze Foundation aside from financial and fundraising help?
I think our collaboration can help extend our reach to more people across Scotland. We really want people in Scotland to know that SAMH is here for them, their loved ones and colleagues. Whether it’s support or mental health information, SAMH is here for Scotland’s mental health. The SAMH Information Service provides information and signposting for pathways to better mental health and wellbeing over the phone, through emails and through a range of online information.
The SAMH Information Service team can connect you with local mental health support and information. It operates from 9am-6pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays). Email info@samh.org.uk or call 0344 800 0550. Find out more at www.samh.org.uk/info
The SAMH Redhall Walled Garden in Edinburgh is a therapeutic horticultural project
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