Lottery win for mental health charity will help boost its work

Lottery funding has helped secure the future of a Fife charity which helps people with mental health conditions into work.

Fife Employment Access Trust (Feat) was awarded £120,000 by the Big Lottery Fund.

Although it received a lower grant than in previous years, the charity was delighted its application was successful as it had been warned the odds were stacked against it due to high demand for a share of the cash pot.

Feat general manager Duncan Mitchell said: “It is a testament to the success of this project that they have backed us again for another three years, though the funding amount is lower than in past years, so we still need help from other sources to cover all the costs.

“Hopefully the news of Big Lottery’s ongoing support will make it easier to persuade other funders to contribute towards the balance.”

The money will support its Employ Your Mind project with NHS Fife, which supports people with complex, severe and enduring mental health conditions to better self-manage their conditions and begin to consider employment as a viable option.

It uses innovative computerised therapies that help people develop strategies to overcome barriers and challenges in daily life situations.

Big Lottery Fund chairwoman Maureen McGinn said: “I am delighted that Feat has been successful in securing a Big Lottery Fund grant.

“The funding will make a big difference where it is needed most and I wish Feat every success as it goes on to develop and expand its project for the benefit of the local community.”