£30 million for grassroots projects for adults
Community-led mental health and wellbeing projects are to benefit
from £30 million Scottish Government funding over the next two
years.
The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults –
first launched in 2021 – supports local groups to deliver
programmes for adults which build resilience and tackle social
isolation, loneliness and mental health inequalities. It is
expected the Fund will open to applications this Autumn.
In the first three years around 4,800 grants were made to a wide
range of grassroots community projects focused on connecting
people and providing peer support through activities such as
sport, outdoor activities, and the arts.
The charity, Empower Women for Change, has secured grant awards
in all rounds of the Fund to date. This year, the group is using
its grant to support lone parents, families with a disabled
family member, Minority Ethnic families, and young mothers.
Visiting their office in Glasgow Mental Wellbeing Minister said:
“I am pleased to meet staff and service users at Empower Women
for Change and hear more about the valuable work they do in the
community they support. It is inspiring to see first-hand the
impact that this funding can have.
“Since the fund was established, we have invested £66 million,
reaching a variety of groups supporting those at increased risk
of poor mental health and wellbeing – including people facing
socio-economic disadvantage, older people and ethnic minority
communities. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that
this further £30 million investment will make to the wellbeing of
people and communities across Scotland.”
Empower Women for Change CEO and Founder Asma Abdalla said:
“We are delighted and honoured to welcome the Minister to our organisation. The
Wellbeing Fund has played a transformative role in improving the
lives of our service users of ethnic minority women and girls and
our volunteers, members, and staff.
“Through our Inspired Women projects, we have provided vital
mental health support, resilience, and community connection,
changing lives and strengthening communities. We are looking
forward to continuing this work, with support from the Wellbeing
Fund.
“We welcome this unique opportunity to share Inspired Women
participants' testimonies, their voices highlight the urgent need
for sustained investment in grassroots wellbeing services. Please
join us in amplifying their stories and celebrating the power of
community-led change.”
Partnership Manager at Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector
Sheena Arthur said:
"We are delighted that the Scottish Government's Communities
Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund is continuing. This fund
delivers small grants which make a positive difference and so
far, has supported over 900 Third Sector organisations and
community groups across Glasgow.
“In increasingly challenging times, the Third Sector plays a
crucial role. This fund enables the development of existing
projects as well as emerging ideas from the community. It helps
to bring people together- contributing to better health and
wellbeing of people and families, strengthening social
connections and tackling inequality and poverty."
Background
Within the first three years, the Communities Mental Health
and Wellbeing Fund for Adults has provided around 4,800
grants to community organisations delivering mental health and
wellbeing support.
Wellbeing and prevention -
Mental health - gov.scot
Empower Women for Change
