Grant from building firm makes counsellors really SMILE

A service that offers free counselling to young people in West Lothian is the latest recipient of funding from a regional housebuilder.

Persimmon Homes East Scotland has awarded SMILE Counselling a £1000 grant as they continue to help local groups and charities in the area.

Persimmon donates up to £64,000 a month to fund initiatives as part of the highly successful Community Champions scheme.

SMILE Counselling, based in Livingston, provide free counselling support for young people aged 11 to 24 either in schools, at the SMILE office or the option to get a bit of fresh air during‘walk and talk’sessions.

Sarah Henley at SMILE Counselling, applied to Persimmon Homes for the funding.

She said:“What a wonderful way to start the year – thank you to everyone at Persimmon Homes.

“This support couldn’t have come at a better time. We are experiencing a higher than usual demand for

Without support like this we would struggle to support young people who need our help Sarah Henley

counselling at the moment and our waiting list is getting bigger.

“Without support such as this we would struggle to support the young people that need our help and plan to use the money to fund 50 sessions that will boost confidence and empower right to 10 young people.”

SMILE Counselling provides learning new tools for living that helps young people to manage their mental health and results in an improved quality of life.

Their evidence shows that after these sessions they often don’t need further counselling and if they do, they require less sessions.

Laura Still, sales director for Persimmon Homes East Scotland, said: “SMILE Counselling is a fantastic example of a community support service and is exactly what our Community Champions initiative was set up to help.

“The pandemic has increased instances of mental health concerns among young people and the need for counselling, so we hope this funding helps SMILE meet the demand for support.”

Persimmon Homes East Scotland is currently building new homes in West Lothian at its Merchant Gait development in East Calder, Latham Park in West Calder.

For more information or to apply for Community Champions funding from Persimmon Homes visit www. persimmonhomes.com/charity.