Staff, management and service users at The Neuk Mental Health Crisis Centre will put their best foot forward to hit the highest of heights this summer.
A determined group of novice climbers are already preparing to begin training for a July 1 date with Ben Nevis - Scotland’s highest mountain which stands at 1345 metres above sea level.
The Perth-based team has decided to summit the popular peak in order to raise vital funds to keep the service operating.
Louise McQueen is one of the staff members ready to put in the legwork and gather as much money as possible.
She told the PA: “We were coming up with fundraising ideas to help us create a constant stream of funding and enable the service to operate effectively, positively and to meet the needs of our service users which are constantly changing and evolving.
“Our inspiration is saving lives long term and by raising funds this way we can involve service users in the journey and preparation. We chose Ben Nevis to include service users and promote our healthy body, healthy mind message.
“All Neuk staff, management and service users will be taking part together.”
Louise is sending out the rallying call to anyone who wants to get involved and said training for the climb is about to get underway.
When the time comes to step on it, she knows the team spirit will shine bright.
“None of us have any real hill climbing experience but, from Monday onwards, we are all on healthy eating plans and
doing regular walks and climbs,” Louise explained.
“The personal challenge varies for each of us but we are a team in The Neuk and will be a team on the mountain.”
The Neuk, based at St Paul’s Square in Perth city centre, is a suicide and mental health charity open seven days week.
There are no waiting lists and the service provides immediate support for individuals struggling with a range of mental health issues and suicidal ideation.
Louise, providing further information, said: “The Neuk is a non-clinical suicide and mental health crisis centre.
“We are open seven days a week, 12 hours a day and we provide instant support for people struggling with poor mental health. Since opening we have saved over a thousand lives through offering our unique range of support.
“We work with all individuals in a person-centred approach.
“We offer and provide support through crisis counselling, trauma counselling, hypnotherapy, sacral cranial therapy, and/or mental health life skills course. We also have a therapy pet who visits regularly.”
The fundraising target for the Ben Nevis challenge has been set at £1000 and Louise revealed there could well be more events to look forward to.
She said: “We are already planning future events such as ‘Dook for The Neuk’ and, if these prove successful, then who knows what else we can do when we all come together.”
To donate to The Neuk’s Ben Nevis climb fundraiser - and to find out more information - head over to the JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wendy-given
