Extra £15m to combat social isolation

A FUND launched last year to tackle social isolation, loneliness and mental health inequalities made worse by the pandemic has been awarded an extra

£15 million.

The Scottish Government said the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for adults has helped nearly 2,000 community projects to deliver activities and programmes in its first year.

It has helped a wide range of groups including those for older people, individuals with long-term health conditions or disabilities, people living in rural areas and the LGBT community.

The fund has also supported projects including sports, outdoor initiatives, arts and crafts and nature activities. The new investment will allow the fund to continue for another year.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is loneliness, and we know the pandemic has brought this issue into much greater focus. The fund was set up to build and develop capacity within community organisations and grassroots groups so they can support people’s mental health and wellbeing.

“I am pleased that so many projects benefited in the first year.”