A Lanarkshire mental health charity, You Are My Sunshine (YAMS), received a generous donation of £1,000 from the Alona Hotel this month, in conjunction with UK Mental Health Day celebrations. YAMS, based in Newarthill, was established in 2018 by Rhonda Jones, a former Scottish international footballer and current Watch Commander in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The Alona Hotel, situated overlooking Strathclyde Country Park, has been a steadfast supporter of the charity for the past two years, engaging in various fundraising activities.
Jensen Taylor Connelly, director of Alona Hotel, expressed delight at supporting YAMS, acknowledging the crucial support the charity provides to many individuals. The partnership has also heightened awareness and understanding of mental health among the hotel staff. Rhonda Jones, founder of YAMS, spoke highly of the collaboration with Alona Hotel and M&D’s over the years. She highlighted a shared commitment with Jensen and her team towards advancing mental health support and awareness, utilizing the hotel’s resources to drive the cause forward.
YAMS offers free assistance to individuals across Scotland facing mental health challenges, aiding approximately 4,000 people annually. The charity was established by Rhonda and her family in memory of her sister, Gemma Jones, who battled mental health issues and tragically passed away before her 30th birthday. Services provided by YAMS, located in Newarthill Library on Kirkhall Road, encompass drop-in support, counselling, therapy, activities, child nurture support, presentations, and education for anyone in Scotland. For further information, visit yams.org.uk.
In summary, the collaboration between the Alona Hotel and YAMS exemplifies a commendable effort to support mental health initiatives in the Lanarkshire community. The generous donation underscores the importance of partnerships between businesses and charities in advocating for mental health awareness and providing vital support to those in need.