Scottish rugby players officially open The Beacon
Scottish Rugby players, Matt and Zander Fagerson, officially opened The Beacon this week on Wednesday 26 November.
The Beacon’s official opening ceremony, taking place during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, aims to break down barriers and encourage men to start conversations about their health and seek support when needed.
Matt and Zander highlighted the importance of accessing support and how having someone to listen can make all the difference. The brothers spoke about how mental health does not discriminate, and no one is immune to mental health struggles, but with proper guidance, support, and open conversations, you can begin to meet these challenges head-on.
Matt and Zander Fagerson said: “Open communication and support are essential in our daily routines, but especially in sport. It’s vital to remember that mental health is not a weakness but something that should be at the forefront of our daily habits.
“Sport plays a powerful role in this – its communities stand by us through both winning and losing, encourage honesty, connection, and resilience. By fostering supportive environments in all scenarios, sport helps break down stigma and reminds us that no one has to face challenges alone.”
The national rugby duo were joined by Jillian Galloway, Director of Adult Health and Social Care/Angus IJB Chief Officer, Kathryn Lindsay, Chief Executive of Angus Council, Angus Council Leader, George Meechan and Lord Provost, Craig Fotheringham, as well as Alan Russell, Chairperson of Hillcrest Futures, to officially open The Beacon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Angus’s Community Wellbeing Centre in Arbroath has already supported over 500 people, providing over 2,500 individual support sessions since they first opened in April.
The Beacon offers community support for anyone in emotional distress living in Angus, who is aged 16 and over, from 12 noon to 12 midnight, 7 days a week, every day of the year.
Providing a kind, caring, and compassionate place to go if you are suffering from mental health and wellbeing distress, everyone, including family members and carers, can access support in person, over the phone, via text, email, or by reaching out on social media.
Matt and Zander pictured with Alan Russell, Chairperson; Jayne Stewart, Service Manager; Liam Baillie, Peer Worker; Pauline McIntosh, Operations Manager; Agata Stasiak, Mental Health Project Worker; Ingrid Hainey, Strategic Business Manager; and John Booth, Managing Director – all Hillcrest Futures.
Steven Whyte, Chair of Angus Integrated Joint Board, said: “The Beacon offers compassionate and person-centred support that empowers people to improve their wellbeing.
“During Movember – Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month – we have been raising awareness of the importance of breaking down barriers for men to access the help and support they need. It was wonderful to have Matt and Zander here today to help us continue to break the stigma many men face when it comes to mental health.
“Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK, and we hope that by raising awareness of the support available, more men will be able to access a safe and welcoming space where they can feel heard and supported, especially during their most vulnerable moments.”
John Booth, Managing Director of Hillcrest Futures, added: “The Beacon is already making a real difference for people in Angus. Everyone deserves a safe place where they can talk openly about how they feel and get support without judgment. We are proud to be part of a centre that gives people hope, guidance and a friendly face when they need it most.”
The Beacon is located at Kirk Square, Arbroath, DD11 1DX, and you can call 0800 135 7899 or text 07418632399.
