Charity boosts its senior management team

Samaritans Scotland has appointed Rachel Cackett as its new executive director.

Cackett will take on the role with Scotland’s leading charity for suicide prevention in January.

She currently heads up the policy team at the Royal College of Nursing Scotland, where she works with members and partners to influence Scottish health and social care policy on behalf of nursing staff, service users and families.

Samaritans Scotland has 19 branches across Scotland and provides free emotional support to anyone experiencing crisis or distress, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The charity also works with a range of national and local partners to promote emotional wellbeing and campaigns for action and investment to prevent suicide.

Cacket said: “I’m honoured and excited to be joining the Samaritans in the new year as Executive Director for Scotland.

"At a time when important national commitments have been made to reduce suicide, self-harm and inequalities in Scotland, I am looking forward to working with Samaritans’ volunteers and wider partners to effect positive change in the day-to-day lives of people experiencing crisis, distress and isolation.”

Natalie Stevenson, chair of Samaritans Scotland, added: “We are delighted to welcome Rachel as executive director for Samaritans Scotland to help drive forward our vital work in Scotland.

"Rachel’s expertise and leadership will support us to realise our shared vision for a Scotland where fewer lives are lost to suicide and where everyone feels able to ask for and access the right support, when they need it most.”