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Rotary Elgin backs efforts to support local youngsters' mental health


By Lorna Thompson

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ELGIN Rotarians moved by the recent tragic suicide of a local schoolboy have boosted the efforts of three organisations working to support the mental health of Moray's young people.

Rotary Elgin raised £3000 last Christmas through various fundraisers and Rotaract Moray’s online carol concert.

The money has now been split equally between Elgin Youth Café, the Samaritans and counselling service Avenue to benefit local young people.

The members' decision to do what they could to support young people's wellbeing was prompted by the devastating loss of an Elgin teenager who took his own life last October.

The 13-year-old was regularly involved in activities run by Elgin Youth Café, in Francis Place.

Staff at the youth café – which is now known as The Warehouse@EYC – have since set up a boys’ support group.

Elgin Youth Café, in Elgin's Francis Place, which is now known as The Warehouse@EYC.
Elgin Youth Café, in Elgin's Francis Place, which is now known as The Warehouse@EYC.

Carol MacLennan, youth team manager at Elgin Youth Development Group which runs the project, said: "We would like to thank the Rotary Club of Elgin for their donation.

"The last year has been very challenging for us all, and we are especially concerned by the impact it's had on young people's health and wellbeing.

"The boys' group was established to provide a safe space for young men to seek support, talk about the issues most relevant to them, build friendships and develop effective strategies to help navigate their way through these difficult times."

Carol added that the boys' group has been so successful and had such a visible, positive impact on their wellbeing, that the girls were keen to form their own group.

A Rotary Elgin spokesperson said: "Avenue is a local counselling organisation and we have requested that the money donated is used to provide support to local young people, and we all know of the vital work that the Samaritans do in supporting all ages through difficult times.

"All were delighted to receive the funds, and if we can make a difference to even a small number of young people, or save one life, then it will be funds well spent."


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