Supporting Mental Health in West Lothian: Our Partnership with S.M.I.L.E. Counselling
At The Centre, Livingston, we believe in the strength of our community and the importance of supporting those who make a difference. That’s why we’re delighted to announce S.M.I.L.E. Counselling as our first ‘Support in the Community’ Charity Partner of the year.
S.M.I.L.E. Counselling has been a beacon of hope for young people in West Lothian since it was founded in 2015 by Declan Harrigan. With a mission to provide affordable counselling for those aged 11-24, the charity has helped countless individuals facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, trauma, and stress.
Having access to professional counselling services can be life-changing, and the work that S.M.I.L.E. Counselling does is invaluable to our community. Their dedication was recognised in 2022 when they were awarded Scottish Charity of the Year, highlighting the impact they’ve made over the past decade.
By working together, we can help raise awareness, increase access to mental health support, and create a community where young people feel heard, valued, and supported.
What S.M.I.L.E. Counselling Offers
The team at S.M.I.L.E. Counselling provides a range of services tailored to the needs of young people, including face-to-face, online, and telephone counselling sessions. In addition to one-on-one support, they also run group sessions to promote mental health awareness and resilience, equipping young people and their families with the tools to navigate life’s challenges.
Their outreach goes beyond direct counselling too. By partnering with local schools, S.M.I.L.E. Counselling ensures that students have access to on-site support, workshops, and mental health education. As a registered SQA Training Centre, they also provide specialist training for therapists, helping to create a stronger network of mental health professionals in the community.
Celebrating 10 Years of Impact
As part of their 10th anniversary milestone, Declan and his team of 19 counsellors and therapists and 18 volunteers, are on a mission to raise awareness of their services with various campaigns including a £10 a month anniversary donation scheme to help pay for more free sessions for young people.
We’re pleased to support their efforts by providing them with a pop-up space at The Centre on Saturday, 29th and Sunday, 30th March. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the charity’s work, speak with the team, and find out how you can get involved—whether by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.
Declan said: “We are absolutely honoured to be chosen as The Centre, Livingston’s first Charity Partner of the year. The shopping centre plays a vital role in bringing the community together, aligning perfectly with the S.M.I.L.E. Counselling core belief in the power of meaningful connections.”
Get Involved
If you’d like to find out more about S.M.I.L.E. Counselling and the difference they’re making, visit their website at www.smilecounselling.org.uk.
For those who know of other charities or organisations making a positive impact in West Lothian, we encourage nominations for future ‘Support in the Community’ partnerships. You can download the application form here and submit it to [email protected].
We look forward to welcoming S.M.I.L.E. Counselling to The Centre, Livingston this March and hope you’ll stop by their pop-up to show your support!
