Story
S.M.I.L.E Counselling are a Charity who provide FREE counselling and support services to young people in West Lothian and operate on grants and fundraising.
Since the first lockdown S.M.I.L.E have had a 130% increase in referrals with 40% of these coming from areas of multiple deprivation.
1 in 4 of all referrals now indicate suicidal thoughts or ideation.
Since March 2020 S.M.I.L.E have reached over 12,000 students with support materials for coping with lockdown, home schooling and anxiety.
In the last 5 years S.M.I.L.E have delivered group support to over 1500 Young People and provided 1-2-1 counselling to over 500.
S.M.I.L.E need almost £3000 right now just to provide Counselling services to its current waiting list, a list which is growing by the week.
Our fundraising target of £594 will directly impact 3 young people who are currently on the waiting list with S.M.I.L.E. This will ensure that each of the 3 young people receive a full course of counselling and help them deal with the issues they are currently facing. Literally, every single penny you donate directly benefits the life of a young person.
Over the 1st and 2nd May, team Greenshoots will be embarking on a "50 miles for S.M.I.L.E" challenge. The team will be running, walking, swimming or cycling 50 miles over the 2 days and raising awareness of the mental health issues and challenges our young people are facing.
Thank you so much for any donation you are able to make.