The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde‘s Sandyford Counselling Service, which the NHS plan to close in September 2025, is a beacon of hope for individuals who have been sexually abused as children along with adults who have experienced rape or sexual assault. The service offers people a safe space to heal and rebuild their lives. Please sign my petition & share on your Social Media or forward to your contacts so we can ensure this vital service survives. Thank you.

My friend used the service to help them deal with the impact of a sexual trauma, and I know what a tremendous help and support it was for them. 

It is disgraceful that, at a time when mental health is being prioritised, that this invaluable and essential service is due to close, leaving many vulnerable people with no NHS service to go to for support.

The closure of this service would be an immense loss, not just to those who currently rely on it, but to the entire community. Mental health issues in Glasgow are on the rise, with recent statistics showing a significant increase in demand for mental health services across the region. The Sandyford Counselling Service plays a crucial role in meeting this demand by providing specialised care and support, especially for those who have survived traumatic events.

This decision to close yet another vital service is short-sighted and detrimental to the wellbeing of many. Instead of shutting it down, more resources should be allocated to enhance its capacity to serve those in need. It’s a matter of life and dignity for many individuals who may have nowhere else to turn.

I urge you to think about the devastating impact this closure can have. Let us stand together to demand that the decision-makers reconsider their stance and commit to keeping the Sandyford Counselling Service open. Your support is needed now to save this indispensable service. Please sign this petition to ensure the voices of those who have experienced sexual trauma are heard and their needs are met.

One woman, who suffered years of sexual trauma as a child, told how attending the service brought her back from the brink.

She explained to the Glasgow Times: “I was gripped by fear and felt suicidal. I struggled to hold down a job or talk to anyone about what I’d gone through as a youngster. I did not know how to cope with the trauma and just felt like I was sinking most days.

“Attending counselling sessions at the Sandyford Clinic gave me hope for the first time in years. I was able to rebuild my life and learn that what I experienced was not my fault. I don’t know if I’d still be here today without their help and that’s what worries me most. What will happen to other people who have been sexually abused as children, as well as women and men who have been raped and assaulted? Where will they access support now that these roles are being cut. I really don’t think those who signed this off appreciate just how important this service is.”

Glasgow Times - 26/03/25