Tuesday September 24th 2024
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson
Midlothian Third Sector Interface (TSI) have announced funding for community groups & voluntary organisations in Midlothian.
Midlothian TSI has been appointed by the Scottish Government to distribute over £247k to local mental health & wellbeing projects, through Year 4 of the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults.
The fund has a strong focus on prevention and early intervention and aims to build and develop capacity within community organisations to support the mental health and wellbeing of individuals. It aims to help tackle the impact of social isolation, loneliness and mental health inequalities made worse by the cost-of-living crisis.
Many people living in poverty experience the distress that comes with it, which can be especially challenging for those most vulnerable. In year 4, the fund is to support community-based initiatives that promote and develop good mental health and wellbeing, mitigate and protect against the impact of distress, anxieties, diagnosed mental health problems, and neurodiversity within the adult population (16+).
In Midlothian there is £247,983.21 available, divided across three separate grant streams:
– Microgrants: Up to £2,000 (min £500)
– Small Grants: Up to £10,000
– Larger Grants: Up to £30,000
To complement these grant streams, up to £5,000 per organisation is also available for capital spending. Both new projects and existing ones, that demonstrate impact and progress, are encouraged to apply.
In Midlothian, the fund is overseen by a team of staff and volunteers from the TSI, Midlothian Council, Health in Mind, NHS Lothian, and Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership. In year 4, people with lived experience are again involved in the fund’s administration and decision-making processes. The fund closes for applications on Thursday 24 October 2024. The detailed fund guidance, available on Midlothian TSI’s website, outlines everything you need to know before applying.
Midlothian Third Sector Interface’s Chief Officer, Dr Lesley Kelly, stated:
“We are delighted to have been given this money again to support local organisations in such difficult times of austerity and scarce funding streams. We strongly believe in community strength and spirit to support each other, learn from each other, and connect.Throughout the years, we have seen evidence of good partnership working, and we will encourage this yet again this year to leave a lasting impact and pave the paths for future collaborations.
“We know that Midlothian’s communities are committed to supporting good mental health and wellbeing, whether this is through specialist trauma-informed practices, walking and talking, or simply a cup of tea and a blether. I believe the Fund will enable more people to make social connections and access opportunities that promote good mental health, prevent worsening of wellbeing, and empower people to overcome mental health challenges.”
To find out more about the fund and how to apply, visit Midlothian Third Sector Interface’s website at: https://www.thirdsectormidlothian.org.uk/mva/funding/communities-mental-health-well-being-fund/
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