In a move set to aid local groups across Scotland, the government has announced a further £30 million for community-led mental health and wellbeing projects over the next two years. The new funding cycle of the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults is aimed at building strength and lessening social isolation among adults.

The Fund, first set up in 2021, supports small local groups in running programs that help people build resilience and combat loneliness and mental health gaps. In its first three years, nearly 4,800 grants went to community projects that run peer support activities, ranging from sport and outdoor pursuits to arts events.

Empower Women for Change, a charity that has secured grants in every round of the Fund, is using its award this year. The group plans to support lone parents, families with a disabled member, Minority Ethnic families, and young mothers. Visiting their office in Glasgow, Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd remarked, “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.” She added, “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 Maree Todd 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.”

Sheena Arthur, Partnership Manager at Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector, 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.”

The new funding is set to open for applications this autumn. With a firm focus on the grassroots, the initiative hopes to touch more lives and spread a sense of hope far and wide throughout Scottish communities.