Moray & Banffshire Heroes 2025: VOTE NOW for your charity of the year!
VOTE for your charity of the year by midnight on Monday, March 24!
READ the shortlist in full.
Lucy's Lights
A MORAY charity that supports women with autism has been praised for changing lives.
Lucy's Lights was established in 2023 by Millie Nicoll and Rachel Mitchell, in memory of their friend Lucy Smith who took her own life after struggling with the condition and her mental health.
Today, the charity, which organises autism-friendly activities, supports over 30 members and their families from across Moray, Inverness and Nairn, helping women overcome their social isolation and support them through the diagnosis process.
A nomination said: "Lucy's Lights has changed my life! Throughout my life I have never really felt comfortable talking about myself and my autism.
"I have learnt to be more open, honest and accepting of my autism. Going to the Lucy's Lights activities is a great experience."
Co-founder, Millie said: "It was Lucy's idea. She really wanted to set up a group for autistic girls but she never got the opportunity to do that. So me and Rachel took her idea and set up Lucy's Lights.
"Autism presents differently in girls and that's our focus. We're the only support group in the area that does anything like this and is completely free."
Millie was delighted the charity has been shortlisted: "I was shocked. You're just so focussed on helping people you don't realise the impact you've had on people's lives. As young autistic adults ourselves I'm really proud of what me and Rachel have been able to do."
Moray Mental Health Football Club
A CHARITY that uses the power of the beautiful game to support those struggling with their mental health has been hailed as a lifeline.
Moray Mental Health FC was founded by Matty Slinger, Phil Barton and Steven Simpson ‒ all from Forres ‒ following the death of a close friend by suicide. It offers a safe and supportive space for people to improve their mental wellbeing, build confidence, form friendships and find a sense of community, all while enjoying the fun of football. Currently, there are over 70 members.
The club meets up for a game every fortnight throughout Moray; in Forres, Elgin, Lossiemouth and Kinloss.
In the weeks in between, members get together for ‘team talks’ about their own experiences and wellbeing.
Moray Mental Health FC has been transformative for many, with one nomination describing the club as ‘remarkable’: “For many, it’s more than just a football game ‒ it’s a lifeline. The impact is immense. Their work is a testament to how grassroots initiatives can bring meaningful change to a community. They are truly making a difference where it matters most.”
Co-founder Matty said it was humbling to be shortlisted: “We never planned for this to be a success, especially something that’s close to our hearts. We never thought people would take it to their hearts as they have. For people to be acknowledging what you’re doing is incredibly humbling and amazing.”
The Moray Monday Club
THE Moray Monday Club, which provides fun and friendship for folk with dementia and their carers, has been hailed as a ‘lifesaver’ charity.
The club, which meets every Monday at Elgin’s Williamson Hall, welcomes around 80 people to enjoy a good blether with a cuppa and homebaking, live music, and day trips and outings throughout the year.
A nomination said: “This is a lifesaver charity for those with dementia and their carers, particularly those caring 24/7. It provides true companionship, joy and laughter and there is a kind, warm and exceptionally hard-working committee and volunteers.”
Another added: “The club is utterly fantastic. To see everyone up dancing and having so much fun is heart-melting.”
Club chair, Wendy Burges, said: “We’ve so many people coming along, we’ve now got a waiting list. It’s a social environment for people with dementia and their carers, which makes us a little different. People can come together and socialise for a few hours ‒ they go back to a time before their diagnosis. It’s very much about having time to relax and having fun together.”
Wendy was delighted the club had been shortlisted: “We’re absolutely over the moon. We feel quite overawed that people have taken the time to nominate us ‒ especially when it’s carers and families who are busy caring for people. We’re blown away.”
The charitable organisation of the year is supported by Brodie Countryfare
Sarah Kinlin, from Brodie Countryfare, said: "We're delighted to support Moray & Banffshire Heroes 2025 and the charity of the year award. Charities are absolutely vital to our communities, often making a real difference to people's day-to-day lives. Please vote for your charity of the year and give your thanks to the outstanding local groups that have such a positive impact on their communities."
