Mental health support group Kickin’ On has outlined ambitious plans for the future as they continue to go from strength to strength.
The voluntary organisation, which uses football as a vehicle to discuss issues around mental health, launched just weeks before lockdown started.
And now 16 months on, Linwood charity boss Dave McKenna has revealed ambitious plans to create a permanent mental health support hub serving people across Renfrewshire.
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Dave, who recently ran the 96 mile West Highland way with his dad Keith, to raise cash for the organisation insists the future looks bright.
He said: “We will continue to carry out our Free sessions like always and will continually add to our programme.
“Our main goal is to have a dedicated mental health, addictions and suicide prevention hub for adults right in the heart of Linwood but will serve the whole of Renfrewshire, sounds pie in the sky right?
“Well if you think so, just have a look at our progress over the space of 16 months - all during a pandemic might I add - we have identified a potential location and we will be working towards making this a reality.
He added: “We have to start giving ourselves more credit for what we do, I often use the term ‘We bridge the gap between us and the professional services'.
The charity runs a number of free group sessions to support those who may be struggling each week but Dave admits he knows the limitations and will always signpost people to professional help if they need it.
“The reality is, we have been the end destination for a lot of people, we are enough and we do enough to ensure that people are getting help from their peers, progressing, and are safe,” he added.
“This does not mean we won’t signpost people to other professional services when there is a requirement, we still know our limitations and what we can and can’t do.
“The past 16 months have been non-stop and we have made a lot of progress and helped a lot of people which is our main goal.
“The future is looking good and we will continue to do what we set out to do and more.”
To find out more about the group search Kickin’ On on Facebook.
