Call to volunteer

Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley is supporting a charity’s call for volunteers.

Esteem Clydesdale offer a range of services to support people with their mental health and aim to raise suicide awareness.

The charity has a strong core of volunteers and trained counsellors but are only able to open three days a week.

Based on Bannatyne Street in Lanark, Esteem offers a safe space for anyone who needs support as well as one-to-one counselling and peer support.

Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley recently visited Esteem to find out more about the work that they do and the challenges facing them.

Among the difficulties were a limited number of volunteers, particularly those with lived experience, which restricts the work that they are able to do.

Commenting, Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley said:

“Esteem is a fantastic charity which does a lot of good and often difficult work in the community to support people with their mental health.

“They also do a terrific job of raising awareness about suicide and have recently embarked on a project to have Stop the Stigma benches placed across Clydesdale.

“I would encourage anyone who could assist Esteem with their work to reach out and get involved.

“Charities like Esteem are vital as they give people the tools to improve their lives which also helps to take pressure off the NHS.”

Karen Jackson from Esteem Clydesdale added:

“Demand for Esteem Clydesdale services are rising. We offer peer support, counselling, men only support group, complementary therapies, drop in, walking group, gardening group and crafting Fridays, all free of charge.

“All the volunteers at Esteem Clydesdale have had or are managing mental ill health. We are living, breathing proof that you can recover and live a fulfilling life while managing your mental health.

“We use our lived experience to help and support others. More volunteers are needed to help expand the existing services offered over three days to five days.”

To find out more and to volunteer, email Karen at work.esteem@outlook.com