A Highland charity working to make life a little easier for patients receiving mental health treatment has received a £750 donation from BEAR Scotland.

Friends of New Craigs Hospital has supported patients at the Inverness hospital since 2024, raising money for items and activities that can improve their comfort, wellbeing and experience during treatment.

The charity provides things that are not normally covered by NHS budgets, ranging from board games, blankets and crafting materials to equipment requested directly by hospital wards.

Jackie McKay, Friends of New Craigs Hospital Chairperson, said:

“We are a local charity dedicated to providing patients with items and activities that are not covered by NHS budgets but can make a real difference to their comfort, wellbeing and recovery.

“This includes everything from board games and blankets to crafting supplies and even equipment requested by wards.

“We are incredibly grateful to BEAR Scotland for this donation and for recognising the importance of supporting the mental wellbeing of people throughout the Highlands.

“Donations like this enable us to continue developing the charity and responding to requests from wards.”

The charity was nominated for support through BEAR Scotland’s Regional Charity Initiative, which encourages staff to put forward organisations making a difference within the communities where the company operates.

For BEAR Scotland’s North West Road Safety Engineer Stephen Urquhart, the nomination also had a personal connection.

He said:

“I nominated this cause because it is a relatively new charity that aims to make mental health treatment a bit easier.

“I had a family member who was a long-term patient and saw first-hand how good the staff were; a few extras can make a big difference to those who stay.

“Since New Craigs is the main psychiatric hospital in the North West, many people have a connection to the hospital.”

BEAR Scotland operates and maintains trunk roads across North West Scotland and uses its Regional Charity Initiative to support organisations nominated and voted for by its staff.

For Friends of New Craigs Hospital, the latest contribution will help it continue responding to requests from wards and providing some of those small extras that can make a meaningful difference during a hospital stay.