A heartwarming mental health initiative by the local suicide prevention charity Adored is set to benefit every high school pupil in East Kilbride. After a successful pilot programme at Calderglen High School earlier this year, offering coping strategies for stress and anxiety to fourth-year pupils, Adored has expanded its scheme to include all secondary schools in the area. Collaborating with No Limits Coaching, the charity aims to provide practical and emotional support to young individuals struggling with life challenges.
The programme, tailored to the needs of each school, has now been introduced at St Andrew’s and St Bride’s and Duncanrig secondary schools. Adored, founded by the family of former Calderglen pupil Alexander Iain Bonomy-Lindsay, who tragically took his own life in 2018, focuses on mental health and suicide prevention. Alex’s mother, Jill Bonomy-Lindsay, expressed her delight at being able to extend this crucial support to all East Kilbride secondary schools, thanks to the generous contributions from the local community.
Collaborating with No Limits Coaching, Adored identified pupils at Calderglen who needed intervention to access the curriculum more effectively. Through a week-long programme, students received individualized support, including life coaching skills, strategies for coping with barriers, and engaging activities such as visits to a local wellbeing centre and outdoor experiences to highlight the importance of nature in mental health. The positive impact of the programme was evident from students’ feedback, with many expressing feelings of calmness and empowerment.
In another heartening gesture, Langlands Golf Club members have joined hands with Adored in fundraising efforts to support the charity. Raising £1500 through various events, including raffles and golfing activities, the club demonstrated the community’s commitment to mental health awareness and support for young individuals, particularly young men. By providing practical tools and emotional guidance, Adored’s initiative is making a significant difference in the lives of East Kilbride’s youth, highlighting the importance of mental health education and support.
For those in need of immediate support, Samaritans can be contacted at any time throughout the year by calling 116 123, emailing jo@samaritans.org, or visiting samaritans.org. Adored’s dedication to mental health and suicide prevention continues to make a valuable impact on the lives of young individuals in East Kilbride, ensuring that no one faces life’s challenges alone.