The north-east mental health charity has ceased operations with immediate effect after more than 75 years of service, citing insurmountable financial pressures and soaring demand.

Mr Reid said: “After careful review of Mental Health Aberdeen’s financial condition, it became clear that the only realistic option was to cease service provision and move to liquidation.

“My team and I will work with the charity where possible to assist in any transfer of services.

“I appreciate that this is devastating for Mental Health Aberdeen, its staff, volunteers and service users, particularly in this, its 75th year. This is an extremely sad situation.”

The charity’s board voted to shut down all services on the 24 of July. In a statement, chairman Mark Lough confirmed the closure followed an “extensive period of strategic review” where all viable options to continue were explored. The decision means the immediate closure of the charity’s head office, its charity shops, and all its services, including the Aberdeen Counselling and Information Service (ACIS), ACIS Youth, and One To One Deeside.

Mr Lough explained that the organisation faced a deeply uncertain financial future. “Funding has been reduced or withdrawn, and upcoming contract negotiations offer no guarantee of renewal,” he said. “Rising operational costs, including a significant increase in National Insurance contributions, have added further strain.”