STAFF from Royal Bank of Scotland’s Galashiels branch raised more than £1,600 to help support one of Scotland’s leading mental health charities.

As part of the bank’s One Week in June national fundraising drive staff hosted bake sales, spinning classes, car washes and sponsored waxing challenges to help raise money for The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).

One Week In June is a bank-wide initiative where Royal Bank branch and telephony teams across Scotland spend a week raising money for their chosen charity.

The bank can also match funds the monies raised through its employee Community Cashback scheme.

The Royal Bank team from the Bank Street branch handed over a cheque for £1623.57 to Andrea McCann, Team Manager, and Katherine Wilson, Service Manager, from SAMH.

SAMH operate more than 60 services in communities across Scotland providing mental health social care support including homelessness, addictions and employment services.

James Brydon, Royal Bank of Scotland’s Galashiels’ branch manager, said: “Good mental health and staff wellbeing are issues that are important to Royal Bank of Scotland, so we wanted to offer something back to a charity which does so much for people who might not have a support network around them or know where to turn.

“Colleagues and customers have been so generous and committed to making a difference and everyone at the bank would like to thank all of our customers who took part - especially the response from local businesses who provided prizes for our tombola in Gala and hamper in Kelso.”

Amanda Baitup, community banker for Galashiels, added: “We can’t thank the local community enough for their generosity and their interest in what SAMH does.

“We understand how finances can affect mental health and took the opportunity to sign post Life Moments, an area of our website with help to manage money and support for difficult times.”