A longstanding mental health charity in Aberdeen has ceased operations with immediate effect, citing unsustainable financial pressures and rising demand for its services.
Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA), which served the community for 75 years, announced the abrupt closure after what it described as “tireless efforts” to find alternative solutions. The organisation said it was facing an increasingly complex and unsustainable environment marked by funding cuts, increased operational costs, and surging demand for mental health support.
In a public statement, the charity explained: “Despite the team’s tireless efforts to meet rising demand, our current income can no longer sustain the level of service we aim to provide. Like many third sector organisations across the country, we are facing the stark reality of being asked to do more with less – a position that is no longer viable.”
MHA has played a vital role in North East Scotland’s mental health landscape, offering a broad range of services including individual counselling, school-based interventions, and community projects. However, mounting financial burdens—including a “significant increase” in National Insurance contributions—ultimately forced the organisation to close its doors.
The charity expressed deep concern about the state of mental health support nationwide, urging increased funding and stronger policy commitments. “It is vital that charities, like ours, are given the tools and resources to continue delivering essential services to those who need them most, before it’s too late,” the statement added.
The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) confirmed it is overseeing the wind-up process. “As part of the wind-up, MHA must apply for consent from OSCR. We will engage with them to ensure that any remaining assets are used solely for charitable purposes, as required by charity law,” said an OSCR spokesperson.
Last year, multiple charities voiced alarm over growing financial constraints, particularly related to the rise in employer National Insurance costs. Many warned they had “nowhere left to cut” and that their ability to function was in jeopardy.
In response, the UK government previously stated it supported the sector through a “world-leading tax regime,” claiming to have provided £6 billion in relief in the past year alone. It also said that an increased employment allowance would protect over half of charities with National Insurance liabilities, allowing them to either benefit or remain unaffected.
MHA’s closure underscores the growing fragility of mental health support systems across the UK, raising urgent questions about how communities will access critical services amid a national mental health crisis.
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