Inspiring Aberdeenshire names Shirley’s Space as 2025 charity partner
Aberdeenshire Council has announced Shirley’s Space, a Crimond-based mental health charity, has been selected as the official charity partner for this year’s Inspiring Aberdeenshire Awards.
Each year, Inspiring Aberdeenshire partners with a local charity to help raise awareness of their work and expand their reach across the region.
Following a selection process, Shirley’s Space was chosen in recognition of the role it plays in supporting mental health and well-being in the North East of Scotland.
Founded seven years ago, Shirley’s Space offers a range of free, confidential services for adults facing mental health challenges.
From its welcoming drop-in centre to gender-specific support groups, social meetups, and a late-night anonymous text service, the charity is making a tangible difference in the fight against loneliness, isolation, and emotional distress.
Aberdeenshire Provost Judy Whyte said: “We are proud to have chosen Shirley’s Space as this year’s charity partner. Their dedication to supporting mental health in our communities is inspiring, and their work makes a real difference to the lives of so many people across the region.
“Through this partnership, we hope to shine a light on the vital services they provide and help them reach even more people who may need support.”
Some of services offered by Shirley’s Space include:
- A drop-in centre on Tuesdays between 10am and 4pm: A safe, friendly space to talk with trained volunteers over a cup of coffee.
- Men’s night on Thursdays: A weekly group designed to support men in a relaxed, interest-based setting.
- Women’s groups: Fortnightly on Wednesdays (afternoons and evenings). Offering supportive spaces tailored for women.
- Coffee, cake, and a chat: Saturdays, 10.30am-1pm at Crimond Medical Centre. A casual and welcoming session to reduce isolation.
- Text messaging service: Fridays and Saturdays, 10pm-2am. A discreet service offering anonymous support via text from trained volunteers.
Throughout the lead-up to the Inspiring Aberdeenshire Awards in September, Aberdeenshire Council will support and promote Shirley’s Space, helping to raise awareness of the charity’s work.
Trustee at Shirley’s Space Ashley Mackie said: “We are absolutely honoured to be selected as the charity partner for the Inspiring Aberdeenshire Awards.
“This recognition means so much to our team and to everyone who uses our services. It’s a powerful opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of mental health support and let people know they’re not alone.”
For more information or to access support, visit www.shirleysspace.com
Shirley’s Space operates entirely through grants, fundraising, and community donations. To donate, visit PayPal.me/ShirleysSpace