In a ceremony that was attended by over one hundred guests including TV personality Gail Porter, Carlowrie Castle presented The Isobel Award to With Kids for their crucial work to provide mental health support to children.
The Isobel Award honours the legacy of renowned botanist, explorer and author, Isobel Wylie Hutchison, who defied convention in the 1900s and chose to live a life of extreme adventure, community giving, and endless wonder for the natural world. Carlowrie Castle was Isobel’s family home and the place she would return to after each of her adventures.
Throughout her life, Ms. Hutchison placed significant value on giving back to her community and supporting others in need. She experienced loss and grief in her early life, which severely impacted her mental wellbeing.
Gwen Galbraith, CEO says, “With Kids are absolutely delighted and honoured to have been chosen for the Isobel Award. It is so energising to have the years of dedicated support recognised by this special award. It means a lot to the team who work tirelessly to support the mental health and well-being of children who have experienced adversity, and their families. Our work aligns so well with the Isobel Wylie Hutchinson’s determination to overcome her own tragic experiences – at With Kids we want each and every child to have the chance to flourish. We’re looking forward to collaborating together over the year ahead.”
With Kids children’s mental health charity based in Glasgow and Edinburgh, supports children and their carers through difficult times. They take a preventative approach to mental health that involves early intervention, working in tandem with children, families, community, schools and other agencies to enable healthy development.
Gail Porter says: “As someone who has experienced my fair share of mental health struggles, it is an honour to be part of Carlowrie Castle’s Isobel Award ceremony and to recognise the dedicated team at With Kids for their important work supporting children to lead happy and healthy lives.”
“Hearing more about the extraordinary life of Isobel Wylie Hutchison has been truly inspiring. Spending the afternoon in her former family home makes the celebration incredibly special. Last Thurday’s humble and authentic celebration is one to remember,” she continued.
It is well documented that Isobel “strolled” great distances as a means of coping with her mental health struggles. This year the ceremony also commemorates 100 years since Isobel walked the entire length of the Outer Hebrides and wrote about her experience for the National Geographic Magazine.
Andrew Marshall, owner of Carlowrie Castle and founder of Carlowrie Group says: “Each year I am blown away by the dedication and care that charities and individuals put towards supporting others. Just as Isobel Wylie Hutchison did while she was alive, With Kids puts the needs of others at the heart of what they do, making them the very deserving winner of our Isobel Award this year.”
The event provided guests an exclusive opportunity to explore the gardens in which Isobel and her siblings played as children, and later where Isobel planted the gardens that still thrive at Carlowrie. The castle now operates year round as an exclusive-use events venue for corporate and private clients. Find out more on their website:https://carlowriecastle.co.uk/
