Aberdeen counseling service appeals for funding as demand increases

An Aberdeen-based counselling organisation has appealed to the local council and NHS for additional financial support after experiencing a sharp rise in client referrals, which have nearly doubled in recent months.

Cairns Counselling reported that the recent closure of fellow charity Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA) forced it to reduce the number of complimentary sessions offered, cutting them from 20 to 10 per client due to a growing waiting list.

The charity currently relies on grants from the city's health and social care partnership and emphasised that ongoing financial backing is essential to provide adequate support to those in need. The funding appeal will be reviewed by the partnership at this week's Integration Joint Board (IJB) meeting, with a final decision expected next year.

Cairns Counselling provides sessions free of charge, but requests donations from clients who are able to contribute.

Alana More, 28, from Aberdeen, shared her personal experience with Cairns following the death of her father. She said that after her father's suicide three years ago, the support she received was invaluable in helping her manage her grief and focus on her mental health. She described the charity as "welcoming and empathetic" from the very start.

Ms More expressed hope that Cairns would secure the funding necessary to continue serving as a crucial lifeline for others, adding: "Mental health should be a priority when setting budgets. Considering what Ive been through, losing my dad due to mental health struggles, I believe they should listen."

Claire Moggach, chief executive of Cairns Counselling, highlighted the surge in referrals immediately following MHA's closure, noting that the increase has been sustained over time. She explained that most referrals come via GP recommendations and stressed that the charity currently receives only annual funding, which complicates long-term planning.

Ms Moggach added: "In the past, we were more likely to have three-year service contracts, but that has not been the case for many years. Securing even a three-year funding arrangement would significantly improve our ability to plan and adapt services."

Mental Health Aberdeen, which had operated for 75 years, announced its closure in July, citing complex challenges and increasing pressure on its services. The decision to close was taken after the charity explored all possible options.

A spokesperson for Aberdeen City Health and Care Partnership stated: "Cairns's funding will be reviewed confidentially by the IJB as part of a broader report on grants for voluntary organisations."

Author: Sophia Brooks