A mental health care home has raised hundreds of pounds to give the people who use the service an amazing summer. 

Riddrie House, based on the outskirts of Glasgow’s East End, has spent the last 27 years delivering residential support to people with mental health needs including those with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Through fun activities and life-saving work, the care home provides people with the skills and confidence they need to move on to independent living while ensuring they are happy and fulfilled. 

(Image: Images taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

In their latest effort to bring some sunshine to the home, Riddrie House held their Gig in the Garden fun day on Saturday which was open to the around 30 people they support and their families. 

Besides a whole load of fun, the day involved a raffle – which included prizes like tours of Ibrox and Parkhead stadium, football cards, and great entertainment from the likes of The Voice’s Simon Simms and up-and-coming artist Dani McGuire. 

(Image: Image of Simon Simms by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

(Image: Images taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

Sharon McGuire, activity coordinator for Riddrie House, said: “It was an amazing day.

"It was so beautiful for the service users to spend time with their families who they may not have seen in the last year. They had the most wonderful day and enjoyed meeting the staff’s families too. 

“We had amazing entertainment, and it truly was a hugely successful day.”

(Image: Images taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

(Image: Images taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

And the buzz from the weekend has only continued according to Sharon. 

She explained: “We walked in on Monday and everyone is still so hyper and buzzing, you can just feel it in the air as soon as you come in.”

She continued: “Someone won a pack of socks in the raffle and they are still talking about it, they said that’s just what I needed. Everyone is just still so happy. 

“It’s the wee tiny things like that they enjoy and look forward to, those things mean so much and it’s so rewarding for us to see how much the day means to them.”

(Image: Images taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

The event raised an impressive £402 which will be used to take those who use the service on days out this summer as well as plan some fun days in.

The home is aiming to treat people to a special activity day once a month including taking them to the beach. 

But ultimately, the money will give those who use the service a boost through the summer and something to look forward to over the coming months. 

Sharon said: “The service users vary from 19 and 20 years old to elderly, and a lot of these people have voices in their head 24/7 telling them terrible things. 

“They have learning disabilities, are on the spectrum, and have all needed a lot of motivation after the pandemic. Some struggle to just get out of bed in the morning and do something.

“So, we want to do something every month and through the summer that gets that excitement going. 

“We want to help them and boost their mood, making things better and easier for them, as well as having something positive to focus on and if we can do that, that’s so rewarding for us.”

(Image: Images taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

(Image: Sharon McGuire (Middle), Images taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

Riddrie House wanted to thank MR Joinery who built the home’s garden furniture free of charge for the event, as well as those in the community who donated prizes for the raffle and the Rangers and Celtic Foundations respectively. 

You can find out more information about Riddrie House HERE or call 0141 770 0770