Additional funding has been announced to strengthen mental health support for people across Scotland, helping more individuals access early assistance close to home and tackle loneliness.
The Scottish Government is providing a further £3 million to enhance community‑based mental health and wellbeing projects, bringing the total investment from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults to £18 million for 2025–2026. Since the Fund launched in 2021, it has delivered £84 million in support to local initiatives.
Since 2021, the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults has supported more than 6,100 local projects, including initiatives that help people manage their health, build confidence and feel more connected to their communities.
Projects funded to date include:
- Support groups for people living with long‑term health conditions
- Walking, cycling and fitness activities to help reduce stress
- Arts and music programmes that build confidence and support social interaction
- Befriending services for older adults and unpaid carers
These grassroots initiatives are delivered through local organisations that understand the needs of their communities, making support more accessible and reducing barriers to early help.
John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland, said:
“I am pleased to announce a further £3 million from the Scottish Government for projects to help people with their mental health and wellbeing. This investment reflects our commitment to healthcare that delivers prevention and early intervention, supporting people before they reach crisis point and prioritising those who are most at risk.
“Local support for people who need a bit of extra help with their mental health is really important – projects close to home in familiar settings are often where people feel the safest and most comfortable. Offering that kind of support is particularly important at this time of year, which many find difficult. But the festive season also reminds us of the importance of kindness, compassion, and caring for one another.
“Getting outside and spending time in the fresh air can really improve our physical and mental wellbeing, and the Fund that I am announcing today has supported projects that support people to do exactly that. After seeing the new community hub, I am looking forward to visiting the EATS Rosyth garden to see how local people are benefiting from the chance to enjoy valuable time outdoors.”
The additional £3 million aims to expand the reach of existing programmes and enable more people to receive help earlier, before their mental health needs escalate. The funding will also continue to support organisations working to reduce loneliness – an issue recognised as a major factor affecting wellbeing.
The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults forms part of wider Scottish Government efforts to invest in prevention, community resilience and early intervention.
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