When mum-of-two Shirley Mccombie took her own life in august 2018 after struggling with depression, her family were left devastated.
But determined her death would not be in vain, her closest relatives – led by nephew Cameron Findlay – launched a mental health drop-in centre in her name.
Since opening six months ago, Shirley’s Space – based at Crimond Medical Centre in Fraserburgh – has helped save eight lives and offered support and advice to more than 400 vulnerable people.
The walk-in centre offers a variety of services to those in the north-east who are suffering with their mental health and find Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen too far away for appointments.
Resources include men and women only nights, a coffee, cake and chat drop- in event every Saturday, health walks and social media support.
Cameron, 21, who achieved charity status for the centre, is proud of what they have accomplished by providing a much-needed counselling service.
The Glasgow University student, who has been nominated for a Sunday Mail Young Scot Award in the community category, says his aunt would be delighted with the legacy they’ve created in her memory.
Cameron, from Peterhead, said: “It’s always been said that the centre is a legacy for my auntie and she would have been pleased to see eight people saved in the first six months.
“The space carries on lots of her principles, including education, and when she spoke to people, it was always about their story, not hers.
“As a family, we want to carry on her legacy and principles and become a bea- con for people who need help.”
Shirley’s whole family have been involved in setting up the service, which was unveiled on August 22 last year – the first anniversary of the former nursery teacher’s death.
The centre is managed by Fiona Weir, who has 20 years’ experience in mental health, and utilises a group of 30 volunteers.
Cameron, who is in his third year of an accountancy and finance degree, said: “There are three of us on the board – myself, my sister Ashleigh, who does the fundraising, and manager Fiona.”
He praised the support they have received from the community, saying: “The positive reaction we have had locally has helped us so far and £50,000 has been raised.”
Shirley was just 37 when she took her own life. She knew she needed help but none was quickly available on the NHS. She sought help privately but it came too late and she was found dead in her Ellon home.
Cameron, who was nominated for a Young Scot Award by his local MSP Peter Chapman, said: “Our family could so easily have gone to pieces after the trauma of losing Shirley but the centre has rallied us all and allowed us to create a hopeful future in her name.”
He added: “I feel very honoured to have been nominated for an award.”
Do you know someone as selfless as Cameron? If so, go to www.youngscotawards.com and nominate.
Nominations close on February 23.
