An Aberdeen charity which provides mental health counselling has announced it has closed with immediate effect.<\/p>\n
Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA) said it had taken the decision after “working tirelessly to explore all available options.”<\/p>\n
The charity – which operated for 75 years – added it faced a complex set of circumstances, including growing pressure on its services.<\/p>\n
In a statement the charity said funding had been reduced or withdrawn and rising operational costs including a “significant increase” in National Insurance contributions led to the closure. <\/p>\n
MHA provided various services including counselling, services in schools and community projects. <\/p>\n
Announcing the closure the charity said: “Despite the team’s tireless efforts to meet rising demand, our current income can no longer sustain the level of service we aim to provide. <\/p>\n
“Like many third sector organisations across the country, we are facing the stark reality of being asked to do more with less – a position that is no longer viable.”<\/p>\n
MHA also called on “funders, partners, decision-makers, and government policy makers” to recognise the need for more investment in mental health services. <\/p>\n
It added: “It is vital that charities, like ours, are given the tools and resources to continue delivering essential services to those who need them most, before it’s too late.”<\/p>\n
Charity regulator OSCR said: “As part of the wind-up process, they must apply to OSCR for consent. <\/p>\n
“During this process, we will engage with them to ensure that any remaining assets are used solely for charitable purposes, as required by charity law.”<\/p>\n