The main contractor chose SAMH as its company charity in 2020, although due to Covid-19 restrictions, fundraising opportunities were limited and therefore the company officially launched the partnership in June 2022.

This fundraising total of £20,000 has been achieved through a range of fundraising activities including raffles, bake sales and annual Halloween dress up competitions. Employees have also participated in various athletic challenges, most notably a ‘Wimbledon’ event, an ‘Office Olympics’ event, the Glasgow Kilt Walk and the Tough Mudder Challenge.

One of the key fundraisers over the years has been the contractor’s annual ‘Spring Classic’ cycling event which has raised almost £7,000 for the charity.

Funds raised by Clark Contracts has helped SAMH:

• Respond to over 900 requests for help and advice through their Information Service, on the phone, e-mail or via web chat.
• Support 40 young people through their eight-session, Time for Me life skills course.
• Fund up to 200 days of suicide prevention research as part of their dedicated PhD programme at Glasgow University’s Behavioural Research Lab.

Fiona Lewis, senior manager of workplace engagement at SAMH said: “SAMH has been so proud to partner with Clark Contracts over recent years and we are so grateful Clark Contracts has raised substantial funds to help us deliver mental health support. The commitment to the mental health cause, the enthusiasm to get involved in the partnership and the determination to make a difference has been incredibly inspiring.”

John Mooney, finance director, Clark Contracts, added: “We have enjoyed working closely with SAMH and are delighted to have now raised over £20,000. Our Steering Group, made up of representatives from across our divisions and departments, organise these fundraising events throughout the year, and it’s fantastic to see our employees getting involved to help raise these vital funds. We look forward to continuing our partnership with SAMH and supporting the fantastic service they provide.”

Every day in Scotland, 20 young people don’t get the help they need for mental health problems, with only a quarter of young people knowing where to go to find help for their mental health. SAMH has on-the-ground services in over 70 communities in Scotland. These include housing support, care at home, employability services, care homes and counselling. They campaign at a national level on key issues ranging from suicide prevention to children and young people’s mental health.