As a charity, saving lives on the frontline for nearly 140 years, we have been there for the people of Scotland through some of the most horrific times in the 19th, 20th and 21st century. Who would have thought that in 2020 a global pandemic would have even been possible, and without even realising the dramatic effect that it was going to have on us all.

Today as we look forward to better days, thanks to the vaccine programme, we can get excited about spending time with our loved ones, hugging a friend, going for a meal, going shopping, or getting back to work, it all just seems so surreal!

For some people this is just not the case, and it is a very real mental health crisis that we now face. Stressful experiences occur across the life course and can include poverty, poor housing, family conflict, unemployment, childhood adversity and chronic health problems. These all contribute to a greater risk of mental health problems, particularly if several occur together and there are no protective factors to offset their negative impact.

Here at St Andrews First Aid, we want to continue to strive in assisting communities, and we understand that this extends past the vaccine programme, which our volunteers are currently supporting through first aid cover at vaccination clinics seven days every week.

This year more than ever we need your support so that we can reach as many people as we can across the country. Today your donation could mean that a loved one, friend, neighbour or colleague in need could be applying or reaching out to use one of our services.

Through our charitable activities we support young carers, youth programmes for Thistles and Cadets, aged 5 18, BandAge first aid training for schools, and break the silence initiatives, led by our youth volunteers, which deals with youth mental health issues.

Just launched, our new Ready for Life programme gives young people in secondary schools throughout the country who are out with the normal attainment levels, the opportunity to leave school with a recognised certification in First Aid and First Aid for Mental Health. This is a useful addition to a cv, helping to improve employability opportunities and life chances. All of our activities now contain elements or certifications that allow them to support others or in dealing with their own mental health.

This year more than ever we need your support so that we can reach as many people as we can across the country. Today your donation could mean that a loved one, friend, neighbour or colleague in need could be applying or reaching out to use one of our services.

Please support us today by making a donation large or small to help us continue our life saving work and together we can save lives.

Thank you