The Scottish Government has announced £15 million this year from The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for adults.

Projects to support mental health and address social isolation and loneliness in adults will share the funding.

The Fund was launched in 2021 and has already provided around 3,300 grants to community organisations delivering mental health and wellbeing support, with total investment at £51 million.

The funding will target older people, areas of economic deprivation, people with long-term health conditions or disability and LGBTI communities.

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.”

He made the announcement at Pause and Breathe, a social enterprise, in High Bonnybridge, which was awarded £10,000 from last year’s fund to offer a variety of wellbeing sessions and activities.

Managing director Susie Hooper said: “This funding will enable us to hold free weekly wellbeing sessions throughout the whole year and means we can support people who wouldn’t otherwise attend due to financial constraints.”

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