Years 5 and 6 – Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund

Supporting community mental health and wellbeing across Argyll and Bute

Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (ABTSI) is pleased to share the outcomes of Years 5 and 6 of the Scottish Government’s Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults.

This funding round marked an important milestone, with the introduction of multi-year funding through the Scottish Government’s Fairer Funding Pilot, providing greater stability and opportunities for community organisations to plan and deliver longer-term mental health and wellbeing support.

A total of 44 organisations received funding through Years 5 and 6 of the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults.

Years 5 and 6 – Funding at a glance

StatisticYear 5 (2025/26)Year 6 (2026/27)
Organisations funded4444
Small grants (£5,000 or less)14 – £57,814.5717 – £72,135.00
Large grants (over £5,000)30 – £285,104.1127 – £213,630.57
Total awarded£342,918.68£285,765.57

Combined funding awarded across Years 5 and 6

£628,684.25

  • Total applications received: 71
  • Organisations funded: 44
  • Additional Year 5 funding: £57,153.11 awarded to 16 organisations

The additional Year 5 investment enabled ABTSI to increase funding for organisations that had initially received partial awards, helping them deliver more of their planned mental health and wellbeing activities.

Supporting mental health and wellbeing in our communities

The Fund supports grassroots organisations delivering projects that promote positive mental health and wellbeing through prevention and early intervention.

Projects focus on addressing social isolation and loneliness, reducing inequalities and providing accessible support for people experiencing disadvantage.

From community activities and befriending services to creative programmes, outdoor initiatives and wellbeing support, the Fund enables organisations to respond to the needs of their local communities.

A fairer approach to funding

The introduction of multi-year funding represents a positive step towards providing greater certainty for Scotland’s third sector.

Rather than relying solely on annual funding applications, the approach allows organisations to plan further ahead, strengthen their services and build on the relationships they have established within their communities.

Applications were considered by a local assessment panel, including representatives with lived experience alongside partners from the NHS, Argyll and Bute Council and the National Lottery.

Meet the funded organisations

We are delighted to recognise the organisations receiving support through Years 5 and 6 of the Fund.

Below, you can find details of the successful organisations, their funding awards and the projects they will deliver to improve mental health and wellbeing across Argyll and Bute.

North Argyll Carers Centre – Year 5: £9,000.00 | Year 6: £9,900.00

Providing free, professional counselling for unpaid carers aged 16 and over across Oban, Lorn and the Isles. The project will help carers manage the emotional challenges of caring, reduce isolation and build resilience through accessible, specialist support.

Interloch Transport Year 5: £10,000.00 | Year 6: £10,000.00

Expanding affordable, flexible community transport for older people, disabled residents and others facing transport barriers across Cowal and Helensburgh and Lomond. The service will support access to healthcare, essential appointments and community activities, helping people maintain independence and reduce isolation.

Grey Matters Active Ageing Year 5: £10,000.00 | Year 6: £5,841.82

Bringing older people together through monthly Sunday lunches and seasonal celebrations featuring music, entertainment and social activities. The project aims to tackle loneliness, strengthen friendships and provide welcoming opportunities for older residents to stay connected.

Shopper-Aide Ltd Year 5: £10,000.00 | Year 6: £10,000.00

Supporting older people across South Kintyre through social groups, creative activities and outings. Activities include the Elderberries group and local gatherings in Gigha and Carradale, helping people maintain friendships, independence and community connections.

Here We Are Year 5: £8,260.00 | Year 6: £5,727.82

Continuing the Come On In befriending service, which connects isolated older residents with local volunteers for companionship and practical support. The project also provides community transport and regular tea parties, helping people remain connected in rural communities.

Islay & Jura Community Enterprises Limited Year 5: £15,309.00 | Year 6: £14,515.00

Expanding accessible wellbeing activities across Islay and Jura, including exercise classes, swimming, walking groups, creative workshops and social gatherings. Working with local partners, the project will also provide practical support and opportunities for volunteering to reduce isolation and improve community wellbeing.

The Meeting Place (Dunoon) Year 5: £8,500.00 | Year 6: £5,076.00

Providing peer support, practical workshops and access to professional counselling for people experiencing mental health difficulties. Activities will help participants build confidence, develop everyday skills, improve wellbeing and become more involved in their community.

Orchy and Awe Community Trust Year 5: £8,077.00 | Year 6: £5,841.82

Developing a community-led health and wellbeing hub for rural residents, focusing on social connections, physical activity, nutrition and access to support. The project aims to create accessible opportunities for people to stay well and remain connected to their local community.

Crossroads North Argyll Year 5: £7,824.00 | Year 6: £9,434.00

Providing culturally appropriate respite and social activities for Gypsy/Traveller carers and the people they support. The project aims to reduce isolation, strengthen community connections and improve access to wellbeing opportunities.

Strachur Hub Year 5: £10,000.00 | Year 6: £10,000.00

Continuing locally accessible mental health and wellbeing support, including the Talking Therapies project. Working alongside local counsellors and community partners, the Hub aims to improve access to early support for people who may otherwise face significant rural transport and service barriers.

Oban Youth Café Project Year 5: £9,252.00 | Year 6: £9,715.00

Providing a free, welcoming afternoon drop-in for young adults aged 16–24 who are not in full-time education. The project offers opportunities to socialise, prepare food, develop confidence and access practical support in a safe, supportive environment.

Kintyre Seasports Year 5: £4,700.00 | Year 6: £4,700.00

Using watersports and outdoor activities on Campbeltown Loch to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people and adults facing disadvantage. The project will provide opportunities to develop confidence, build friendships and improve physical and emotional wellbeing.

Appin Community Development Trust Year 5: £9,805.00 | Year 6: £5,841.82

Continuing a programme of community wellbeing sessions and warm hub activities for residents of Appin and surrounding communities. The project combines physical activities, informative sessions and social opportunities to reduce isolation and support positive mental health.

Kintyre Link Club Year 5: £10,000.00 | Year 6: £5,765.42

Maintaining a five-day peer support drop-in for people experiencing mental health challenges in Kintyre. Creative activities, mindfulness, healthy lunches and wellbeing sessions will provide opportunities for friendship, recovery, confidence-building and social connection.

New Way Year 5: £8,021.07 | Year 6: £4,962.00

Developing the successful SubGrub and Jibber Jabber groups, combining healthy eating, peer-led recovery, volunteering and social activities. The project will expand opportunities for participants to connect, develop skills and take part in therapeutic activities.

MacDougall of Dunollie Preservation Trust Year 5: £4,851.00 | Year 6: £4,851.00

Continuing the New Routes programme, which supports men experiencing mental health difficulties through practical activities including woodwork, gardening and grounds maintenance. The project provides a supportive environment to develop confidence, friendships and a sense of purpose.

Forget Me Not Choir Year 5: £10,000.00 | Year 6: £5,076.00

Supporting people living with dementia and their families through welcoming community choirs. Singing and shared musical experiences provide opportunities for enjoyment, connection and improved wellbeing, particularly for people living in rural communities.

Helensburgh Lunch Club Year 5: £3,333.00 | Year 6: £3,333.00

Sustaining social activities and shared meals for older residents of Helensburgh and surrounding areas. The project aims to maintain opportunities for companionship, reduce loneliness and support the wellbeing of people who may otherwise experience isolation.

Bute Forest Year 5: £4,410.57 | Year 6: £4,400.00

Delivering free nature-based wellbeing activities, creative workshops and community events at Balnakailly on Bute. The programme includes mindfulness, forest bathing, collaborative art projects and nature-prescribing sessions to encourage social connections and improve mental wellbeing.

Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Mid Argyll Year 5: £10,000.00 | Year 6: £5,076.00

Developing peer-led wellbeing activities that bring people together to share skills, experiences and mutual support. Through peer support circles, creative activities and nature-based sessions, the project aims to reduce loneliness and help people build confidence and a sense of purpose.

Stepping Stones Support Group Year 5: £4,962.00 | Year 6: £4,962.00

Expanding the Fit for Life programme for people living with long-term health conditions. Accessible exercise sessions, including chair yoga, strength and balance activities and online classes, will help participants stay active, maintain friendships and improve wellbeing, with community transport supporting attendance.

Lorn Toy Library Year 5: £9,508.00 | Year 6: £5,765.41

Enhancing stay-and-play sessions for families by providing access to expert advice, practical support and signposting on parenting and wellbeing. The project will also support families facing financial pressures through access to toys, learning resources and a welcoming social environment.

Home-Start Lorn Year 5: £8,015.00 | Year 6: £6,140.00

Expanding support for parents and carers through affordable cooking classes, monthly peer support groups and specialist family support. The project aims to reduce isolation, improve parental confidence and strengthen family wellbeing.

Crossroads Caring for Carers Cowal & Bute SCIO Year 5: £4,738.00 | Year 6: £4,738.00

Continuing and expanding therapeutic support for unpaid carers through counselling, group sessions, wellbeing activities and mental health awareness workshops. The project aims to help carers manage stress, build resilience and maintain their own mental wellbeing.

Fun First Year 5: £7,751.10 | Year 6: £5,841.82

Developing Fun First Friends, a welcoming stay-and-play programme supporting parents, carers and young families. Building on existing sessions in Helensburgh, the project will extend opportunities for friendship, parenting advice and wellbeing support into Garelochhead and Rosneath.

Oban Pride Year 5: £5,775.00 | Year 6: £4,575.00

Creating welcoming, inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ people aged 16 and over through peer-supported drop-ins, a Rainbow Library and community social activities. The project aims to reduce isolation, strengthen support networks and improve access to wellbeing information and services.

Woodlandwise Forest School CIC Year 5: £4,962.00 | Year 6: £4,962.00

Expanding woodland wellbeing sessions for young adults, families and people facing disadvantage across Helensburgh and Lomond. Nature-based activities will provide opportunities to build confidence, develop friendships and improve mental wellbeing in rural communities.

Mull and Iona Community Trust Year 5: £9,845.94 | Year 6: £5,076.00

Delivering InsideOut Wellbeing, a nature-inspired programme for older people and those living with health conditions on Mull. Working with community partners and supported accommodation providers, the project will bring accessible creative and nature-based activities indoors to reduce isolation and encourage connection.

Glendaruel Village Hall Year 5: £9,600.00 | Year 6: £5,076.00

Developing a varied programme of community workshops, fitness sessions, creative activities and social events. The project aims to reduce isolation, celebrate local skills and strengthen community connections in rural Glendaruel.

Iona Village Hall Community Trust Year 5: £8,708.00 | Year 6: £4,708.00

Continuing the Winter Well-being Project, providing community cafés, film nights, informal drop-ins, physical activities and shared working spaces. The programme will help island residents remain connected and supported during the quieter winter months.

Cowal Elderly Befrienders SCIO Year 5: £10,000.00 | Year 6: £10,000.00

Providing responsive, person-centred support for older people in Cowal and Bute who face isolation, complex challenges or difficulties accessing services. The project aims to identify unmet needs, strengthen connections with support services and help older residents maintain independence and wellbeing.

Cowal Play and Family Therapy Year 5: £10,000.00 | Year 6: £10,000.00

Providing therapeutic mental health support for women and parents through facilitated groups and opportunities to develop coping strategies, confidence and supportive relationships. The project aims to reduce isolation and strengthen emotional wellbeing, particularly for families experiencing additional challenges.

Helensburgh and Lomond Carers SCIO Year 5: £4,738.00 | Year 6: £4,738.00

Offering a programme of therapeutic massage sessions for unpaid carers across Helensburgh and Lomond. The project will provide carers with opportunities to relax, manage stress and focus on their own wellbeing, with sessions available at the Carers Centre and through community outreach.

Arrochar & Tarbet Community Development Trust Year 5: £2,500.00 | Year 6: £2,500.00

Supporting activities for older residents, including the weekly Arrochar Open Doors social group, gentle exercise, visiting speakers and community outings. The project aims to reduce loneliness and provide regular opportunities for friendship and social participation.

Dunoon Burgh Hall Year 5: £4,962.00 | Year 6: £4,962.00

Continuing Creative Blethers, a programme of relaxed, inclusive cultural activities designed to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing. Creative sessions, accessible film screenings, music and storytelling will help participants build friendships and feel part of their community.

Argyll Community Counselling Service Year 5: £4,962.00 | Year 6: £4,962.00

Expanding access to free, professional counselling for people aged 16 and over living or working in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands. The project aims to increase counselling capacity and provide timely, accessible emotional support.

Hope Kitchen SCIO Year 5: £19,813.00 | Year 6: £19,813.00

Developing peer-led mental health support in Oban in partnership with the Link and Connect Club. The project will provide facilitated support groups, regular wellbeing walks and opportunities for people experiencing mental health difficulties to connect and access further support.

Eilean Eisdeal Year 5: £1,734.00 | Year 6: £1,820.00

Delivering a weekly programme of winter activities in Easdale Island’s village hall. Arts and crafts, games, quizzes, music, shared meals and community gatherings will help residents build friendships and reduce seasonal isolation.

Heads Up Mid Argyll Year 5: £2,000.00 | Year 6: £2,000.00

Sustaining weekly peer support gatherings in Lochgilphead for people experiencing mental health difficulties. The group provides a welcoming, non-judgemental space for social connection, shared activities, creative workshops and occasional outings.

Family Mediation Argyll & Bute Year 5: £8,250.00 | Year 6: £5,727.82

Providing practical and emotional support for parents and carers navigating separation, family conflict and changes in parenting arrangements. The project will help families develop communication skills, manage stress and build healthier relationships.

Cùram Thiriodh Year 5: £10,000.00 | Year 6: £10,000.00

Continuing vital outreach support for people experiencing isolation or disadvantage on Tiree. Through a dedicated outreach worker and volunteers, the project provides personalised assistance, community connections and opportunities to maintain independence and wellbeing.

FACE Year 5: £7,450.00 | Year 6: £5,841.82

Delivering the Nurture Nourish programme at Centre 81, combining healthy cooking, nutrition, physical activity and community gardening. Participants will develop practical skills, improve wellbeing and build friendships through shared activities and volunteering.

Miscarriage Services Year 5: £6,340.00 | Year 6: £6,538.00

Providing compassionate peer support for parents affected by early pregnancy loss in Oban and surrounding areas. The project will offer support groups, one-to-one conversations, information sessions and care packages developed in partnership with local maternity services.

Parents For Change Year 5: £4,962.00 | Year 6: £4,962.00

Strengthening peer support networks for parents and carers of children with disabilities. The project will provide opportunities to connect with others facing similar challenges and access professional wellbeing support, helping reduce isolation and build resilience.

Looking ahead

We look forward to seeing these projects develop and the positive difference they make to individuals and communities throughout Argyll and Bute.

ABTSI will continue to support funded organisations throughout the delivery period, helping them strengthen community connections and improve access to local mental health and wellbeing opportunities.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *