The second year of the Scottish Government’s Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund in Edinburgh has awarded grants to 98 community and voluntary organisations across the city, totalling £1.28 million.
This investment will enable people in Edinburgh to access more projects and activities designed to support good mental health and wellbeing, in the communities where they live and work. It offers continuing support to some of the projects established through the first year of the Fund in 2022, as well as investing in a number of new ones. Programmes being funded include a conversation cafes; canine therapy sessions; 1-to-1 support; group therapy sessions; a community pantry; gardening and woodwork workshops and a range of other outdoor activities.
As part of Edinburgh’s Third Sector Interface, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council (EVOC) has continued to take the lead on the management of this fund, working with key partners to use a community commissioning approach that helps make sure people get the support they need, when they need, where they need it.
Ian Brooke, EVOC’s Deputy Chief Executive said:
‘We are hugely grateful to all the groups and organisations who came together to take part in the community commissioning approach we used to help make sure that the 98 grants awarded were for projects and activities that match the needs of people and communities in Edinburgh. In light of the ongoing cost-of-living increases it is more important than ever that people in need are able to find support they need on their doorstep.
‘This is also an important investment for the community and voluntary sector, with groups and organisations facing every increasing running costs when their services have never been more needed.’
Leith Community Growers have been awarded a grant to support their community through growing, greenspaces and community activities. They are providing weekly gardening workshops and partnering with local organisations to support growing and greenspace development in their locations.
One of the people involved with Leith Community Growers’ Project said:
‘After very poor mental health after the pandemic, I have found the garden project helps me focus on caring for plants and not on myself. A time to reflect on the bigger task of providing food and the beauty of flowers and community. It also encourages me to get out of the house and to be outside (even in the rain). The sense of achievement and self-worth grows out of the garden.’
A full list of groups and organisations awarded grants from Year 2 of the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for the City of Edinburgh can be found here.
