Eden Scott Renews Partnership with Aberdeen FC Community Trust to Support Mental Health Programme

Leading recruitment agency extends its commitment to the innovative MINDSET programme, benefiting young people across Northeast Scotland.

Aberdeen, Scotland – Eden Scott, one of Scotland's leading independent recruitment agencies, has announced the renewal of its partnership with Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT) to continue supporting the groundbreaking MINDSET programme.

The MINDSET programme, which promotes positive mental wellbeing among young people aged 10-14, has delivered impressive results since its inception. Currently running in primary and secondary schools across the northeast of Scotland, the programme focuses on fostering positive mental health, taking a preventative approach during the critical adolescent years.

"Eden Scott's continued support means that young people in schools can go through the MINDSET programme even when funding can be scarce," said Murray Collie, Programme Lead at Aberdeen FC Community Trust. "This partnership enables us to reach more young people and provide them with vital mental health support that they need."

The programme's impact has been significant, with participants reporting increased knowledge of empathy (28%), improvements in physical wellbeing (25%), and enhanced mental wellbeing (14%). The programme has reached over 794 pupils across 8 schools in the region during 2023-24.

Lucy Nicoll, Associate Director at Eden Scott in Aberdeen, emphasised the importance of the partnership: "This is our first year supporting and sponsoring the MINDSET programme, and we're proud to be part of an initiative that's making such a real difference to young people's lives. The programme's focus on early intervention and positive mental wellbeing aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting our local community."

About the MINDSET Programme

MINDSET was developed with input from schools, the NHS, researchers, and young people themselves. The programme enhances outcomes within the national school curriculum while responding to NHS priorities and aligning with the Scottish Government's "Mental health and wellbeing strategy."

Key statistics from the 2023-24 academic year demonstrate the programme's continued reach:

• 794 pupils completed MINDSET across the region
• Programme delivered across 8 schools in Aberdeen City and Shire
• 128 primary school pupils and 666 academy pupils participated
• Comprehensive support provided during critical adolescent years

The initiative addresses a critical need, as data from the Scottish Association for Mental Health shows that by age 16, three children in every classroom will have experienced a mental health problem.

Murray Collie added: "We really believe that we've got a programme here that can make a real impact on people's mental health and their mental wellbeing. We're now looking to roll this out further, working with the SPFL Trust to pilot it in different areas including Hearts in Edinburgh and Alloa Athletic."

About Aberdeen FC Community Trust

Aberdeen FC Community Trust works to maximise the potential of communities across the northeast of Scotland, focusing on two key themes: Education & Positive Destinations, and Football, Health & Wellbeing.

In 2022-23, the Trust supported over 9,000 participants through various programmes designed to improve physical and mental well-being while addressing social challenges, including poverty and social isolation. 

The Trust's mission is to provide support and opportunity to change lives for the better, with a vision to maximise community potential and improve physical and mental health and wellbeing.