A recent investigation by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) has found no evidence of financial mismanagement at Mental Health Aberdeen, a charity that announced its immediate closure in July 2025. The decision to cease operations has raised concerns among the public, prompting OSCR to conduct a thorough review of the charity’s financial practices.
In a statement released on social media, Mental Health Aberdeen expressed its “sadness and regret” over the closure, stating that it would halt various services, including counselling, youth projects, an amputee service, and community initiatives. The organisation cited “rising demand” for mental health services and the challenges of operating with limited resources as factors leading to this difficult decision.
The charity’s statement emphasized that the closure followed “an extensive period of strategic review, external consultation, and careful consideration of all viable options.” Despite efforts to diversify funding sources and reduce reliance on traditional public funding, the charity indicated it was unable to achieve sustainable financial stability in the current environment.
Following the announcement of the closure, OSCR initiated an inquiry after receiving concerns from members of the public regarding the charity’s financial management. The investigation, which concluded in December 2025, determined that there was “no inappropriate financial management” that contributed to Mental Health Aberdeen’s insolvency.
An OSCR spokesperson stated: “OSCR is satisfied from the information we received during our inquiry that the actions of the charity trustees were consistent with the general duties required under Scottish charity law.” This conclusion led OSCR to officially close the inquiry, reaffirming the integrity of the charity’s leadership during a challenging period.
The findings provide some reassurance to stakeholders and former clients of Mental Health Aberdeen, illustrating that the charity’s abrupt closure was not the result of mismanagement but rather a reflection of broader challenges facing mental health services in the region.
