The Centre, Livingston announces ‘Support in the Community’ charity partner

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The Centre, Livingston has announced its first ‘Support in the Community’ Charity Partner this year as Livingston-based SMILE Counselling.The charity was founded 10 years ago by Declan Harrigan, to provide counselling for young people between the ages of 11-24 in West Lothian.The ‘Support in the Community’ initiative helps charities and social enterprises by providing awareness-raising and fundraising opportunities, including free pop-up space in the shopping centre, a £250 Gift Card donation and marketing support.Over the years The Centre, Livingston has supported many organisations, including Kidzeco, based at the mall, West Lothian Youth Foundation (WLYF), West Lothian Diabetes Scotland Group, Carers of West Lothian, West Lothian Youth Action Project, Spark, River Kids and Dignity Boxes.This year, another four organisations will be supported for a period of three months each, with SMILE Counselling being announced as the first partnership.The charity, which was awarded Scottish Charity of the Year in 2022 in recognition of the outstanding dedication and impact by their team, was founded in 2015 by Declan who has worked in the mental health sector for over 25 years and as a counsellor for 15 years.Declan said: “We are absolutely honoured to be chosen as The Centre, Livingston’s first Charity Partner of the year.“The shopping centre plays a vital role in bringing the community together, aligning perfectly with the charity’s core belief in the power of meaningful connections.“We are very grateful for the opportunity especially having a free pop-up in the mall during the last weekend in March and look forward to sharing our journey over the last 10 years and the services and support we provide to help young people in West