Thirty-seven projects across Dumfries and Galloway will share £527,867 over the next year to help enhance mental wellbeing, reduce inequalities and strengthen community resilience.
The successful applicants to the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults focus on key priorities including tackling social isolation and loneliness, supporting suicide prevention, and addressing poverty and inequality.
A key change in this funding round was the introduction of an option for organisations to apply for two-year projects. This innovation has been made possible through the Fairer Funding pilot, which aims to provide greater financial stability and enable organisations to plan and deliver more ambitious work.
Of the 37 projects funded, one-year projects have been awarded £141,492, while two-year projects will receive £386,375 in their first year.
The Scottish Government fund is administered by Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway. (TSDG).
A £35,000 grant was awarded to LIFT D&G for its Nana’s Park and Caravan Breaks project.
This provides two caravans to offer free respite breaks for families facing hardship or caring responsibilities. The project also includes a community garden, pictured above, that promotes mental wellbeing and hosts educational activities which build skills and reduce isolation, while providing access to free organic food.
Angela Gilmour, managing director of LIFT D&G, said: “This funding will allow us to expand the wellbeing support we offer through NANA’s Park and our respite breaks. These spaces give adults in our community the chance to step away from daily pressures, reconnect with nature, and spend time in a calm and supportive environment. For many people experiencing isolation or mental health challenges, having somewhere welcoming to go can make a real difference.”
Wigtownshire Wellbeing and Cancer (WWAC) was awarded £46,815 over two years to widen the access of its services for people and families affected by cancer.
The funding allows the organisation to recruit and train new volunteers, strengthen peer‑support and expand drop‑in groups.
Volunteers lead community outreach and awareness events, while enhanced information resources support people at all stages of the cancer journey.
Nicola Kelly, Volunteer Co-ordinator and co-founder, said: “This funding will allow us to sustain key staff roles that are essential to delivering our services for people affected by cancer and other life-limiting conditions across Wigtownshire.
“Having dedicated staff in place ensures we can continue supporting individuals and families with wellbeing activities, complementary therapies, and a welcoming space where people feel understood and supported during very challenging times. For many in our rural community, WWAC provides a vital lifeline that helps reduce isolation and improve mental wellbeing.”
Annan and District Day Centre received a grant of £12,000 to protect and expand essential support for users with mobility, sensory, cardiovascular and mental health challenges.
This provides affordable hot meals as well as wellbeing activities that build confidence and reduce loneliness. The project also signposts people to key services, offers respite for carers and maintains accessible transport in areas with no bus routes.
Emma Irving, centre manager, said “The grant will help us continue providing a welcoming space where people can connect, take part in activities, and feel part of their community.
“For many people locally, services like ours play a vital role in reducing isolation and supporting wellbeing. This funding helps ensure we can keep those doors open and continue supporting the health and happiness of our community.”
A grant of £9,648 goes to Chariots of Fire Equestrian Centre for the People and Pony Connection Programme to provide small‑group driving sessions for people with additional needs who benefit from short, focused activities.
The programme supports individuals with a wide range of physical, neurological and sensory conditions who benefit greatly from therapeutic contact with ponies.
Liza Pern, business manager said: “Chariots has a proven track record of delivery of this very popular format as demonstrated by last year’s programme being oversubscribed. It offers an exciting and challenging activity in short sessions and participants get a therapeutic benefit from contact with our ponies, and having access to the outdoors and nature.
“They interact and connect with new people and our ponies, learning new skills and having new experiences that benefit their mental wellbeing and reduce isolation.”
Alan Webb, TSDG’s CEO, said the organisation was once again delighted to be able to manage the investment into communities on behalf of the Scottish Government.
“This fund is a great example of community investment in action – it is shaped, prioritised and decided in our local context and by local partners to make sure it can achieve the best possible impact for people and place,” he said. “I look forward to seeing more national and regional investment made directly in our communities in this way.”
For a full list of the successful applicants in round five, click here: Round five.
For more on the Fund: www.tsdg.org.uk/cmhwf/