SNP MSP for Glasgow, Anne McLaughlin, today expressed her delight at the news that Castlemilk Stress Centre will re-open its doors.

The facility, which provides a vital service in the Castlemilk area of Glasgow, closed in May when they were informed that their funding was to be completely withdrawn with little warning and no consultation. The Glasgow SNP MSP was determined not to give up on it and asked the board to meet her to discuss options for re-opening.

Today she paid tribute to the board members as they announced that the centre would re-open next week.

"I am just delighted that Castlemilk Stress Centre will be re-opening its doors and I have to pay tribute to the tenacity and commitment of the board members who didn't accept their fate when their funding was taken away.

"The work done by the Stress Centre is invaluable and has literally helped turn many peoples lives around in the South East of Glasgow.

"When I heard that the centre was to close, I knew that we had to put up a fight to keep it open.

"The centre helps people deal with serious issues like depression, anxiety, stress and many other mental health and addiction problems. A facility like this can't just be struck off in the way that the Council was planning to - it's for too important for that.

"So I wish the centre well, I intend to keep working with them and support their fundraising plans and I am so relieved that the people of Castlemilk and beyond have this brilliant facility."

After working closely with Anne McLaughlin MSP, the local community and businesses, the board have put together a new business model to ensure the future of the Stress Centre.

Speaking about the Centre's future, board member Cathy McKay said: "Castlemilk Stress Centre has risen like a phoenix and the Board would like to thank everyone who has supported us during this difficult time.  A special thanks to The Task Force, Volunteers, Service Users, the Local Community, Anne McLaughlin MSP and local Businesses, without your support Castlemilk Stress Centre would have closed.

"We now intend to get on with the business of running the centre and continue providing a vital service to the people of Castlemilk.

"Our AGM will be held on Tuesday 21st September at 7pm in our new premises at the Youth Complex, 39 Ardencraig Road, Castlemilk and we would love to see as many people as possible attend, particularly people interested in joining the Board to take Castlemilk Stress Centre forward."