Projects to support mental health and address social isolation and loneliness in adults across Scotland will share a further £15 million this year in a third round of funding.
The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for adults, launched in 2021, has now provided around 3300 grants to community organisations delivering mental health and wellbeing support, bringing total investment to £51 million.
A total of £445,026 was given to 33 third sector organisations across Dumfries and Galloway in the last round.
Activities will target older people, areas of economic deprivation, people with long term health conditions or disability and LGBTI communities. The Fund has also had a particular focus on responding to the cost of living crisis, which remains a priority this year.
Improved mental health and wellbeing support is one of the commitments in the Scottish Government’s Policy Prospectus, which outlines firm actions to be achieved by 2026.
Health Secretary Michael Matheson said: “This investment reflects the importance we place on promoting good mental health and early intervention for those facing mental health challenges – ensuring that people can access a range of different types of help to match their needs. The Fund will continue to support a range of valuable community mental health and wellbeing projects, reflecting one of the priorities set out by the First Minister earlier this week.”
As part of the £120 million Recovery and Renewal Fund, a new Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund was launched in October 2021, investing £36 million over two years (2021-23), with a strong focus on prevention and early intervention.