Mental health project wins school’s cash

Pupils compete for chosen causes

A mental health charity has been handed a major cash boost thanks to enterprising students at Cathkin High.

The Chill Out Club offers stimulating activities and interaction to people suffering mental health problems.

It was one of seven finalists in Cathkin’s annual Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI), which was held in the school’s street area.

S4 pupils consider social issues within the community and identify grass roots charities that help people deal with those issues.

The whole of S4 began the course by identifying a charity that helps people in their community and researched the viability of the charity. They looked at the number of employees, overheads, where money is spent and the ratio of wages to charitable work.

Pupils then presented their findings and a case for their chosen charity to receive £3000.

Katy Mullen, Kirstin Gannon, Amy Ward, Lucy McLean and Gemma Harbinson were the overall winners after researching the Chill Out Club.

Katy said: “I really enjoyed visiting the charity and seeing how the charity is a huge benefit to those who are struggling with mental health concerns.”

Gemma added: “We were speechless when our charity was announced. We felt that the charity really addressed the issues surrounding mental health and dealt with them in a fantastic and informal manner.”

Gina Gordon, chairperson of the charity, said: “The girls were fantastic and we are over the Moon to have won.

“The money will go such a long way to reach more people with mental health issues to give them better life chances.

“It’s unbelievable to have won the much-needed money and we will use it to buy more resources, provide more activities and hopefully offer another session to aid those with mental health issues.”

The contest was judged by Provost Ian McAllan, Frances Swinbourne, the senior manager of pupil support for Cambuslang and Rutherglen, Alistair Cairns from YPI, Cathkin headteacher Mrs McNair and last year’s winners Christopher Cuthbertson, Graeme Gibb and Scott Robertson Tweedie.

Teacher Mrs Payne said: “Pupils participating in our YPI initiative continue to impress and amaze.

“We are fiercely proud of the hard work and commitment that our young people dedicate to the project and the difference they are making within their community.

“The overall winners have really shone.”

The girls were fantastic and we are over the Moon to have won