Lothian has today (29 October) unveiled a newly wrapped double decker bus for Support in Mind Scotland, its Charity of Choice, to help mark the extension of its charity partnership to the end of 2022.

Launched as the company’s Charity of Choice for 2020-2021 following a staff vote, Lothian has taken the decision to extend its partnership with Support in Mind for another year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The double decker bus has been wrapped in Support in Mind’s colours and was designed in collaboration between Lothian and the charity. The vehicle will be based at the company’s Marine garage and will operate on various routes across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Carrying the message ‘anyone can experience a mental health issue’, with silhouettes depicting how common mental health issues are in society, the bus also features the charity’s contact details, offering help to those who may be suffering.

Gaynor Marshall, Communications Director of Lothian, said: “Mental health issues can affect anyone at any point. We are delighted to extend our Charity of Choice partnership with Support in Mind Scotland for a further year, as we continue to work together to raise awareness of the work that they do and the support services that they offer within our community.

“This bus livery has been designed to highlight the difficulties that many individuals face each and every day and to encourage anyone suffering with mental health issues to seek the help and support that they need.”

Michele Mason, Support in Mind Scotland’s Area Manager for Edinburgh and the Lothians, said: ‘We hugely appreciate the Lothian bus staff voting for us as their charity of the year, and their decision to continue our partnership for another year shows Lothian Buses’ commitment to community-mindedness. Support in Mind Scotland staff and service users have really enjoyed engaging with Lothian staff around mental health, and we are really grateful for the opportunity for people to share their stories.”

Frances Simpson, CEO of Support in Mind Scotland, said: “The launch of this bus is a fantastic milestone in our exciting partnership with Lothian Buses. Support in Mind Scotland are delighted to have the support of Lothian and their employees in addressing mental health as an issue that affects all of us, and we are extremely grateful for this opportunity to recognise our work at the Stafford Centre and raise awareness of mental health across Edinburgh and the Lothians. We are excited to continue working with Lothian Buses over the year ahead.”

Support in Mind Scotland specialise in helping people with mental health issues. The charity’s main aim is to improve the quality of life for anyone whose mental health problems or mental illness has a serious impact on their lives. The charity supports 1,300 people each week across a wide range of services.

In their Broughton Street base at The Stafford Centre, Support in Mind Scotland provide a community resource for adults support people to manage their mental wellbeing and build their self confidence. The Centre has a music studio, a mental health radio station, and hosts arts and crafts groups. The charity also organises weekly walks around the Lothians, promoting a healthier lifestyle as well as improving mental health.

For more information visit: www.lothianbuses.co.uk / www.supportinmindscotland.org.uk