Gursharan Kaur
Trustee
At Scottish Asian Counselling Services, volunteers play an important role in supporting our community work and widening access to culturally responsive mental health support.
Volunteer opportunities may vary depending on organisational need and capacity
All volunteer roles are unpaid and subject to safeguarding processes and organisational policies. Volunteers are supported through clear guidance, boundaries and appropriate oversight to ensure ethical and meaningful involvement.
At Scottish Asian Counselling Services, we offer supervised trainee placements for individuals training in counselling or psychotherapy who are seeking meaningful, culturally responsive clinical experience.
Trainee placements are designed to support professional development while ensuring safe, ethical and high-quality care for clients. We look for trainees who are reflective, committed to learning, and open to developing cultural competence as a core clinical skill.
Placements are typically 6–12 months, depending on training programme requirements and organisational capacity. Trainees must be enrolled in a recognised counselling or psychotherapy training programme, be at an appropriate stage to undertake client work, and have individual clinical supervision in place as a mandatory requirement of the placement. All trainees are required to comply with safeguarding processes (including PVG where applicable) and adhere to SACS policies, ethical standards and data protection requirements.
My role involves acting in the charity’s best interest, providing the checks and balances to ensure the charity is compliant with the OSCR’s rules and regulations and provides the service in accordance with the same. This includes contributing to the development of a clear strategy and delivery plan, having an oversight of the governance and risks and ensuring any conflict of interest is managed appropriately.
Mental health still carries a significant stigma in its name alone. This creates an invisible barrier in accessing the right type of support when needed. The South Asian communities have additional barriers in accessing the mainstream services due to issues in acknowledging the problem, delayed access, language barriers, transport etc. Culturally-sensitive service is critical to address these barriers to ensure support can be provided in the right format and at the right time. This helps to reduce waiting times and further deterioration of health.
I have a Bachelor’s in Psychology, PGd. in Health Studies, PGd. in Senior Healthcare Leadership, a Level 7 Senior Leader award with Distinction and acquired the prestigious City and Guilds of London Institute post credentials MCGI. This is supported by my 20 years of knowledge, experience and expertise as a Senior Leader in addition to my previous roles in Public Health, Strategic Commissioning and Management Consultancy in the NHS. My Associate Chartered Management Consultant (ACMI ChMC) award involves meeting multiple competencies in multiple domains of Consultancy demonstrating my expertise in governance, risk management and accountability.
I am also a Coach and Mentor, the Founder and Chair of Sikhs in Healthcare and a Magistrate at Sikh Court. I have recently been selected for the NHS 100 Leaders programme. This is an initiative to identify and support high potential leaders aspiring to be CEOs and Executive Directors to build a diverse and capable pipeline of Senior Leaders.
I am currently completing my MSc. in Healthcare Leadership (September 2026).
SACS has created a holistic space to access professional support in a timely manner. The wide breadth of this support enables the conversations on mental health to be normalised and reduce the stigma and barriers currently prevalent in our communities. I am passionate about reducing health inequalities and ensuring all population groups have an equitable access to health services. I am motivated by the passion of the whole team in bringing this culturally-sensitive service to the local communities and helping them on their journey to recovery.
As a Trustee of the Scottish Asian Counselling Services my role is to help the management and administration of the charity. I am fully responsible for how the charity is run and what it does. I can advise and help with keeping financial records and reporting, fundraising and providing information to the public.
Culturally sensitive mental health support is important because therapists must be aware that South Asian communities form the biggest ethnic minority group in the UK and common mental health disorders are more prevalent in this population than in the general population. However, people of South Asian heritage are less likely to access treatment, complete treatment, improve, or recover through treatment. The charity I am a trustee for is essential for ensuring that the South Asian Community receives proper treatment to ensure a positive outcome.
As a trustee of the charity, the experience I bring involve me being a teacher for over twenty years. I have taught in three different countries: England, UAE and Scotland. This experience has taught me to be aware of many different cultures and religions. I have also served in the Armed Forces, and I know the value of having high self-esteem and discipline. This is important as I see myself as a role model for young people who need a person who is an ethnic minority to guide them on their career path.
I am motivated to continue to support the work of the Scottish Asian Counselling Service because I feel that culturally adapted care is very important. There is institutional racism in the health services offered to minorities and the only way to ensure that equality for all is to offer culturally responsive care.
As a trustee at Scottish Asian Counselling Services, my role is to bring a strong community perspective to board discussions. I support the organisation by sharing insight drawn from long-standing engagement with communities across Scotland, helping ensure SACS remains responsive, relevant and connected to the people it serves.
Through my work and community involvement, I have seen first-hand how mental health challenges are often present but unspoken. Cultural stigma, lack of representation and fear of being misunderstood can prevent people from seeking support. Culturally sensitive services help bridge this gap by recognising people’s lived experiences, faith and family contexts, making support feel safer and more accessible.
I bring extensive experience in community engagement, communication, and representation. Through my roles at Awaz FM, the Muslim Council of Scotland, and my work in community engagement, I have spent many years listening to and working closely with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. This has given me a strong understanding of community concerns, emerging issues and how organisations can communicate effectively and build trust.
What motivates me is seeing an organisation that genuinely listens to communities and responds to real needs. SACS is grounded in the community, while also maintaining professional standards. Being part of work that aims to reduce barriers and create meaningful change is something I strongly believe in.
As a trustee at Scottish Asian Counselling Services, I help provide strategic guidance and governance to ensure the organisation continues delivering culturally sensitive mental health support to Asian communities. My role involves overseeing financial sustainability, supporting leadership, and advocating for improved mental health awareness and access to counselling services.
Culturally sensitive mental health support is vital because many people in South Asian communities face stigma, language barriers, and cultural pressures that can prevent them from seeking help. Services that understand these cultural dynamics are better able to build trust and provide support that respects individuals’ backgrounds while addressing their mental health needs.
I bring community leadership, cultural understanding, and a strong network that helps connect organisations with the people they serve. My perspective allows me to help the board think about how we reach communities that may traditionally feel hesitant about mental health services. I’m committed to helping the organisation grow its impact while ensuring it remains culturally relevant and accessible.
What motivates me to continue supporting Scottish Asian Counselling Services is the real impact the organisation has within the community. Mental health is still a sensitive topic in many South Asian families, and having culturally understanding support services can make a huge difference for people who may otherwise struggle in silence. Being part of an organisation that helps break stigma, provides safe spaces for conversation, and supports individuals and families through difficult times is incredibly meaningful. As a trustee, I’m motivated by the opportunity to help strengthen these services and ensure that culturally sensitive mental health support continues to reach those who need it most.
As a trustee, I support Scottish Asian Counselling Services by bringing financial oversight and practical input to board discussions. My role focuses on helping the organisation manage its finances responsibly, plan for the future, and make sound decisions that support long-term sustainability.
Many people in South Asian communities still find it difficult to talk openly about mental health or to access support that feels safe and relevant to their lives. Culturally sensitive services help reduce these barriers by recognising cultural values, family dynamics and faith, allowing people to feel more comfortable seeking help.
As a Chartered Accountant working in the education sector, I bring financial knowledge, attention to detail and a strong sense of accountability. Through my active involvement in youth work at Lanarkshire Mosque in Bellshill, I also bring a community perspective that helps ensure decisions remain grounded in the needs of young people and families.
I am motivated by the practical difference SACS makes within the community. The organisation responds to real needs and works closely with people who might otherwise struggle to access mental health support. Being able to contribute to this work in a meaningful way is very important to me.
A female client sought counselling after years of being the peace-maker in her family and relationships. She had always followed the rules and prioritised others, but over time felt she had lost her voice and sense of self.She worried that expressing her needs would lead to misunderstanding or conflict, and feared losing important relationships.
While caring deeply for others, she had lost sight of what she needed and felt anxious about doing things differently.Through counselling, she learned that assertive communication did not mean being unkind or selfish. She began to challenge passivity, express her needs more clearly and take steps she had previously avoided. Over time, she realised she could care for herself while still maintaining meaningful connections with those she loved.
A male client accessed counselling at Scottish Asian Counselling Services after years of coping alone. He had grown up with strong messages about being resilient and carrying responsibility for family and work, which made seeking support feel shameful and risky.
He worried about being judged and feared others finding out, but counselling provided a confidential, non-judgemental space he had never experienced before. This allowed him to explore emotions he had long suppressed and recognise that his anger was linked to unaddressed stress rather than weakness.
Through therapy, he developed healthier ways to express his emotions and cope with pressure. Over time, he began to feel lighter, more in control, and better able to manage daily life.
A young person accessed counselling at Scottish Asian Counselling Services due to increasing anxiety, low self-esteem, and academic pressure. She felt a strong need to meet expectations and found it difficult to talk openly with her family, worrying that sharing her struggles would disappoint them.
Through counselling, she learned more about anxiety and how it affects thoughts, emotions and the body. The space allowed her to explore emotional expression safely and without judgement, helping her better understand her internal experiences.By developing emotional regulation strategies and reflecting on her self-beliefs, she began to recognise that asking for help did not make her weak. A key outcome of the work was her realisation that she did not need to suffer in silence and that support could exist alongside her goals and values.
Raj is a Accredited CBT Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor with over two decades of experience across mental health, education and social work, offering a calm, grounded and deeply compassionate approach. She is known for her warmth and integrity and for creating spaces where people feel safe, understood and supported to make meaningful change.
As a South Asian woman navigating both Punjabi and British cultures, Raj understands the courage it can take to reach out for support and how important it is to feel seen without judgement. Through Scottish Asian Counselling Services, she is committed to increasing access to culturally responsive therapy and helping to break stigma within our communities.
Raj’s work reflects what SACS stands for: community-rooted care, professional excellence and heart-led leadership
Asma is an Accredited CBT Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor, passionate about raising the standard of mental health support within South Asian communities. She combines professional excellence with lived understanding, bringing a steady, compassionate approach to therapy and community work.
Asma believes healing is most powerful when it honours culture, identity and faith. She co-founded Scottish Asian Counselling Services to create a charity built on compassion, credibility and representation, ensuring individuals and families can access support that feels safe, empowering and culturally understood.
Through her work, Asma continues to champion emotional wellbeing, challenge stigma, and support lasting change through therapy that meets people where they are.
I serve as a Trustee and my role is to serve on the board to ensure the charity is run well and stays true to its mission of providing culturally sensitive counselling. Fundamentally, I am legally responsible for all of the decisions and actions taken by SACS, as stipulated by the Scottish Charities regulator OSCR.
It’s important because it builds trust and helps lower the sense of shame and stigma around mental health. When support is culturally appropriate, therapy becomes more effective and people feel truly understood without having to explain cultural norms, family expectations, or community pressures from scratch. This makes reaching out for help feel safer.
I bring a mix of professional, business, community and lived experience. For many years, I’ve worked as a Class Teacher and Acting Principal Teacher. Currently I’m the Director of two Kip McGrath Tutoring Centres, which involves strategic planning and day today management.
I’ve served on other boards, such as ELREC (Edinburgh Race Equality Council), EIS Ant-racist Sub Committee, STUC Black Workers’ Committee and have been actively involved in local community work. All of these roles require collaboration, active listening, policy implementation and working with diverse groups. This experience has increased my understanding of the issues facing the South Asian Community.
I have a keen interest in Social Justice and Inclusion and have studied at Post Graduate level in this area.
Personally, my South Asian background helps me understand sensitive issues like shame, stigma, and family honour from the inside. I’m bilingual in Urdu and Punjabi, which also highlights for me how vital it is to offer support in languages people are comfortable with.
SACS is filling a major gap in mental health support for the South Asian community here in Scotland. Seeing what’s been achieved so far, as demonstrated in their recent Impact Report, is truly inspiring.
As a teacher, I’ve noticed the increasing need for mental health support, especially amongst parents in the South Asian community who struggle to find suitable help for their children.
Having grown up in the South Asian community and encountering some of these challenges myself, I feel a strong sense of pride and privilege in being able to give back by being a Trustee, to serve my community
My role at Scottish Asian Counselling Services is that of a Trustee. The role involves responsibility for providing strategic leadership and governance to ensure the charity fulfils its mission of delivering culturally sensitive counselling and mental health support to minority ethnic communities in Scotland.
This involves:
Culturally sensitive mental health support is important for South Asian communities in Scotland because cultural beliefs, family structures, language, religion, and experiences of migration and racism strongly shape how mental distress is understood, expressed, and managed. Without cultural awareness, symptoms may be misunderstood, stigma may prevent help-seeking, and services can feel unsafe or irrelevant.
A Culturally sensitive approach helps our Counsellors recognise issues such as shame and honour, intergenerational conflict, gender roles, faith-based coping, and the impact of discrimination. Our Counsellors improve communication, trust, and engagement by respecting cultural values and reducing barriers such as language and fear of judgement, leading to earlier access, more effective support, and better mental health outcomes.
I have worked as a Psychotherapist for over 25 years, have managed various counselling services, have been founder, director, and owner of a counselling/psychotherapy organisation. I have also worked as an academic lead at various education institutions across the United Kingdom. This has provided me with skills in governance, accountability, policy creation, business planning, strategy, as well as a solid ethical awareness.
My motivation to support SACS is that the organisation delivers culturally sensitive, trauma-informed mental health support to communities who often face barriers to accessing mainstream services. Witnessing the impact on individuals, families, and wider community wellbeing, alongside the organisation’s commitment to equality, social justice, and reducing mental health stigma reinforces my sense of purpose, values, and social responsibility.
As a trustee at Scottish Asian Counselling Services (SACS), my role is to provide strategic leadership, governance, and oversight to ensure the organisation delivers safe, ethical, and high-quality mental health support to South Asian communities. I contribute to setting the organisation’s direction by helping define its mission, priorities, and long-term plans in line with community needs and sector best practice.
A key responsibility of my role is governance and compliance. This includes ensuring SACS operates in accordance with charity law, OSCR requirements, safeguarding standards, GDPR, and organisational policies.
Culturally sensitive mental health support is essential because mental health is shaped by culture, faith, family systems, and lived experiences. Many South Asian individuals face stigma, language barriers, and fear of being misunderstood, which can delay help-seeking. Culturally informed services build trust, reduce shame, and recognise issues such as migration stress, racism, and intergenerational trauma. When support reflects cultural realities, people are more likely to engage, feel understood, and benefit from therapy, helping to reduce inequalities in access and outcomes.
As a counselling psychologist, I bring clinical expertise from delivering therapy and conducting assessments, alongside a strong understanding of ethical practice, safeguarding, and risk. This allows me to contribute informed insight into service quality and client safety. I also bring a culturally responsive perspective and an ability to connect governance decisions with frontline practice. I value reflective thinking, evidence-based approaches, and collaborative challenge to support SACS’s mission and long-term sustainability.
I am motivated by SACS’s commitment to addressing mental health inequalities and providing culturally responsive support to underserved communities. The organisation creates safe spaces for people who may not otherwise access mental health care. Seeing the positive impact on individuals and families, alongside SACS’s strong ethical values, motivates me to support its sustainability and growth. I am proud to contribute to an organisation that combines community insight with professional standards and meaningful social impact.