At Greenshoots Financial, we believe that supporting local communities and local charities' work is an important responsibility, and a few years ago, we began supporting the West Lothian based young people's mental health charity S.M.I.L.E. Counselling.
Since the first lockdown S.M.I.L.E. have had a 130% increase in referrals, with 40% of these coming from areas of deprivation. One in four of all referrals now indicate suicidal thoughts or ideation, and since March 2020, S.M.I.L.E. has reached over 12,000 students with support materials for coping with lockdown, home schooling and anxiety. In the last five years, S.M.I.L.E. has delivered group support to over 1500 Young People and provided 1-2-1 counselling to over 500.
Today's young people's mental health and well-being have never been so important, which is why the team at Greenshoots Financial recently took part in 50 miles for S.M.I.L.E. challenge. We walked, cycled, swam, ran, and raised a phenomenal £1,510 for S.M.I.L.E. The funds raised will provide counselling for eight young people in desperate need of help and support.
C.E.O. of S.M.I.L.E. Counselling Declan Harrigan said, "Greenshoots Financial has been a wonderful partner for us and this latest event and the funds raised is testament to the commitment that Donna and her team have in supporting the work we do with young people".
It's not too late to donate, and if you would like to contribute, please visit
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/greenshootsfinancial.
Thank you so much.
Greenshoots Financial