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Men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse are getting additional support thanks to a grant from the ScotRail Foundation.
A total of £2,000 was awarded by the Foundation to Moray-based Men in Recovery, which provides support for men who experienced childhood sexual abuse.
The grant paid for an expert in the field to lead a number of training sessions with local healthcare professionals including counsellors, GPs, and hospital staff. Through this, they have been able to increase awareness of the issue and the strategies that are being developed to help victims.
The charity offers residential weekends and plans to provide professional counselling and advice, including one-to-one therapy sessions and to help victims, who often suffer from relationship or mental health issues.
The ScotRail Cultural and Arts Fund has recently relaunched, and now awards grants of between £500 and £5,000 (previously £2,000) in support of the arts, children, community activities, and sports from a £60,000 pot. ScotRail also offers £10,000 ‘match funding’ to employees who have been fundraising for their own charities of choice.
Grants from the Cultural and Arts fund are available to individuals and groups with an income of less than £100,000. Those interested are encouraged to apply before the closing date of 29 October.
James Ledgerwood, Head of Economic and Community Development at the ScotRail Alliance, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the real difference that these grants are making to the lives of men in the north of Scotland who have previously suffered abuse.
“We know how important the railway is to the communities we serve, and we want to do all we can to strengthen and support that link.”
Stephen Linturn, co-founder of Men in Recovery, said:
“The ScotRail grant has given the charity the opportunity to deliver trainings never before seen in the Highlands.
“This has helped us enormously, allowing us to train professionals and put ourselves squarely on the map as a resource for men.”
Giles Ruck, CEO of Foundation Scotland, said; “We are delighted to continue our partnership with ScotRail. Since we began working together in 2016, over £170K has been distributed to grassroots projects across Scotland.
“By choosing Foundation Scotland to manage the fund, ScotRail can be confident the fund will have lasting impact in communities across the country.”