Year Four – Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund

A creative wellbeing programme to support adults and children through therapeutic art, Tai Chi, and relaxation exercises. Designed to reduce stress, build resilience, and connect vulnerable individuals with peer support, the programme will run eight targeted six-week blocks for parents, carers, individuals with long-term conditions, and marginalised communities. Sessions will include mindful movement, guided art activities like Zentangling, and wellbeing check-ins to encourange mental health and community connection.

Argyll Wellbeing Hub delivers wellbeing support through suicide prevention, counselling, and community activities. Weekly peer support groups for men and women focus on suicide prevention, while trained staff and volunteers provide intervention support. The hub also offers access to counselling and CBT at reduced costs to address long waiting lists. Wellbeing initiatives include a community acupuncture clinic and walking groups, promoting mental and physical health in the local community.

This community-led project addresses the challenges of rural isolation, poor transport links, high fuel costs, and limited opportunities for residents. With the village hall as the sole community hub, the project delivers six blocks of six-week activities aimed at improving fitness for older adults, providing opportunities in sports, arts, music, and drama for young people, and fostering social connection for all ages. By promoting skill development, mental wellbeing, and social interaction, the initiative also creates employment opportunities for project leaders and a part-time project officer.

This project provides culturally relevant respite for the Gypsy/Traveller community, supporting both carers and those they care for. A fortnightly willow weaving group at the Rockfield Centre in Oban encourages social connections, reduces isolation, and enhances wellbeing. Led by a craft tutor and supported by Crossroads staff, participants engage in traditional skills while developing peer support networks. The initiative respects and preserves Gypsy/Traveller cultural traditions, culminating in a display of the work created. It also strengthens links with support organisations, increasing confidence in accessing respite services.

This relationship counselling service provides accessible support for couples and individuals experiencing financial hardship. With no similar services available in Argyll beyond private counselling, the initiative ensures cost is not a barrier to those in need. By equipping clients with communication tools and fostering positive mental health, the service helps build healthier relationships and stronger emotional wellbeing.

Islay Senior Citizens Association supports older people across Islay by providing transport, volunteer assistance, and respite for carers. The organisation offers inclusive activities such as movie afternoons, fish and chip Fridays, tea and talk sessions, and a supported lunch club. Building on these successful initiatives, plans include introducing a Gaelic conversation group and a singing group to further connect and engage older residents in the community.

This project enhances weekend activities to combat loneliness and improve mental wellbeing by providing a regular social space when other services are unavailable. Larger venues are being secured to meet growing demand, offering Saturday meetings with guest speakers, community engagement opportunities, and support connections. Coach trips help tackle rural isolation by ensuring transport for participants from surrounding villages. Additionally, an intergenerational junior volunteering group is being reintroduced, allowing young people to gain valuable experience while fostering connections between generations.

The Come On In service provides vital befriending and support for adults experiencing loneliness and isolation in the Strachur area. Volunteers offer companionship, respite for carers, and transport assistance for medical appointments, shopping, and social visits, ensuring a strong connection to the community. The service significantly improves mental wellbeing and prevents minor health concerns from escalating. Monthly tea parties further encourage social interaction, while volunteers also benefit from a sense of purpose and fulfilment. The initiative continues to evolve based on community needs, ensuring ongoing support for those who need it most.

The Kintyre Link Club provides a supportive community for individuals with lived experience of poor mental health. Offering peer support, social connections, and a safe environment, the club helps members build self-esteem, reduce isolation, and develop a sense of purpose. It collaborates with partners and mental health services to ensure accessible local support, particularly for those unable to travel. The club focuses on tackling rural isolation, enhancing wellbeing, and providing skill development opportunities to improve the quality of life for those affected by mental health challenges in Kintyre.

This transport service plays a crucial role in addressing rural isolation, improving community wellbeing, and ensuring access to essential services for elderly and disabled residents in Argyll. With high levels of rural poverty and limited public transport, the service enables individuals to attend mental health programmes, social activities, and medical appointments, fostering independence and inclusion. By bridging the gap between vital local services and those most in need, the initiative reduces inequalities and supports unpaid carers, making a significant impact on quality of life in the region.

This project, run by Tiree Community Development Trust, supports menopausal women on the island by addressing social isolation and providing impartial advice through targeted sessions. Two drop-in events will offer information on managing physical symptoms, mental health support, and strategies for navigating menopause. Women-only sessions aim to improve community engagement for this often under-represented group. Attendees will receive a wellbeing pack with menopause-related resources, self-care products, and signposting to additional support services.

This initiative provides a safe and welcoming space for over-60s to enjoy a nutritious meal and social connection twice weekly throughout the year. Additionally, a foodbank service is available to support the entire community, including families, lone parents, and older adults. The project also encourages intergenerational volunteering for young people over 16, helping them develop skills, increase social interaction, and address food insecurity. By encouraging community support, the initiative tackles rural isolation and promotes wellbeing for all ages.

This community choir in Mid Argyll supports individuals with dementia, providing a positive and engaging experience through music and singing. By fostering connection and wellbeing, the choir also offers respite for carers, helping reduce isolation and strain. Public performances promote a dementia-friendly community, breaking down stigma and increasing awareness. Additionally, the choir builds intergenerational connections by working with youth groups and primary schools, strengthening community ties and enhancing social inclusion for all involved.

MAYDS provides essential support services, including a bespoke counselling service for individuals aged 16+ and Additional Support Needs (ASD) Youth Groups. The counselling service offers free therapy for young people facing anxiety, family, and work-related challenges, as well as support for parents and unpaid carers. The ASD Youth Groups provide social opportunities with tailored support, giving much-needed respite to families. These initiatives promote positive mental health, early intervention, and increased access to services in a remote rural area while strengthening partnerships with education, health, and social care agencies.

The Thrive Together Project supports Ukrainian refugees in Argyll and Bute by fostering emotional well-being, social connections, and physical health through group activities. It provides a safe space for refugees to share experiences, support one another, and participate in sports, creative workshops, and cultural events. The project strengthens family bonds, preserves Ukrainian heritage, and promotes integration within the local community. By encouraging cultural exchange and mutual understanding, it enhances community cohesion and provides vital support to refugees adjusting to life in Scotland.

This project supports the remote community of Dalavich by fostering social connection, resilience, and wellbeing through arts, heritage, and environmental activities. With an aging population and seasonal tourism impacting isolation, the initiative aims to create a year-round sense of community. Six events will be held over 12 months, particularly during the darker winter months, to combat loneliness, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and inactivity. By involving arts and mental health practitioners, the project strengthens community ties, enhances mental wellbeing, and encourages new families to settle in the area.

This project revitalises overgrown raised planters in Succoth Ward, creating a therapeutic gardening space for inpatients. By engaging in gardening therapy, patients can participate in meaningful activities while producing seasonal crops. The space will also provide a quiet, attractive area for relaxation, conversation with staff, and connection with nature, supporting mental wellbeing and recovery.

This project provides essential counselling support for unpaid carers in remote and rural areas of Oban, Lorn, and the Isles. Offering 25 one-hour sessions per month via in-person, phone, or video call, the service ensures accessibility regardless of location. By addressing the emotional challenges of caregiving, it empowers carers to manage stress, improve wellbeing, and sustain their vital roles. Delivered by experienced counsellors, this preventative support helps carers navigate their responsibilities without replacing statutory mental health services, ultimately benefiting both carers and those they support.

This project builds on an existing initiative to expand support for mental and physical wellbeing through prevention and early intervention. Open to all, it prioritises vulnerable and disadvantaged groups by offering social prescribing, exercise schemes, and a wider range of activities to reduce isolation and improve health. Free Sunday swimming supports families facing poverty, while transport from Jura increases community connection. Activities include a men’s club, bingo, arts and crafts, a warm hub with a community fridge, and a lunch club for over-50s. Volunteering opportunities and financial capability support further strengthen resilience and community revitalisation.

This project supports social inclusion for adults with learning disabilities by reducing isolation, loneliness, and the risk of worsening mental health. It encourages greater participation in local and wider communities, helping individuals build connections and reduce reliance on medical and therapeutic interventions, ultimately improving overall wellbeing.The funding will support four community meals at the Bunessan community garden and Tiroran Community Forest, focusing on seasonal produce, outdoor cooking, and shared meals. These free-to-access events will run during winter to encourage social interaction and community engagement when opportunities for gatherings are reduced. Facilitated by the garden community engagement officer and forest team, sessions will include community transport support, a warm fire, and covered spaces to ensure comfort. The project aims to connect participants to wider volunteering opportunities in gardening and forestry, with a long-term goal of establishing regular food gatherings. Open to all, the initiative will particularly target socially isolated adults, parents of young children, and individuals with mental health challenges, working in collaboration with health services and support groups to ensure accessibility.

This project continues the Talking Therapies programme, providing rapid access to mental health support in a rural area with limited services. Working closely with the GP practice and independent counsellors, it ensures timely interventions, often within hours, addressing both immediate concerns and underlying issues. The initiative also tackles social isolation, particularly among an ageing population, by facilitating community connections and providing essential transport through a minibus service. Additionally, it supports unpaid carers with respite and promotes physical activity to enhance wellbeing, strength, and independence for older residents.

This project provides targeted support for two key groups of carers: Young Adult Carers transitioning from youth support and Adult Carers experiencing menopause. The transition to adult services can be challenging for young carers, coinciding with major life changes such as education or employment. Similarly, menopausal carers face additional pressures while managing their caregiving responsibilities. The initiative offers a safe and supportive space with peer support, self-care activities, and confidence-building sessions. By providing respite and emotional support, the project helps carers build resilience, reduce isolation, and better manage their caring roles.

Shopper-Aide supports older people in maintaining independence at home through shopping, housekeeping, laundry, and social activities. In 2023/24, the service completed over 3,300 shopping trips and facilitated more than 2,000 attendances at social groups across Carradale, Gigha, and Campbeltown. These groups help reduce isolation, support mobility, and provide meaningful engagement, particularly for those aged 70+ and those with memory difficulties. The initiative also offers respite for carers. Alongside continuing services, a survey will be conducted to assess future needs and ensure support remains relevant and impactful for the community.

This project enhances mental health support for families using a community-based play service, tackling loneliness and isolation experienced by parents of young children. Operating three times a week year-round, it provides free memberships for all children born in 2025, offering a welcoming space for parents to connect and access NHS and third-sector support. The toy lending service helps reduce financial strain, with extended free memberships for lone parents, large families, and those with additional needs. The initiative also strengthens mental health support through partnerships, visiting professionals, and staff training to provide practical parenting advice, improving family wellbeing.

The Stories at Creich project helps reduce isolation and strengthen connections for parents and older residents in a rural community. Story Time provides parents of preschool children with a space to connect, share experiences, and build confidence while engaging in themed storytelling and play sessions with their children. Remembering the Ross captures the lived experiences of older residents on the Ross of Mull, archiving their stories for future generations while fostering intergenerational engagement. Monthly sessions at the Community Library offer a warm, welcoming space with refreshments and free transport, supporting wellbeing and social inclusion.

This project provides a dedicated space for parents of children with Additional Support Needs to share experiences, access support, and engage in discussions with local authorities and HSCP about key issues. By creating a safe environment with knowledgeable support, the initiative helps reduce isolation and improve mental wellbeing. It also aims to build a sustainable community resource, ensuring parents feel heard and included while fostering greater interaction within the wider community.

Fun First Friends is a befriending service supporting new and expectant parents, including those new to the area, with children aged 0-5. Held twice a month at Drumfork Community Centre in Helensburgh, the sessions help parents build support networks, access peer and professional support, and connect with relevant local services. Established in response to the isolation caused by the pandemic, the initiative prioritises perinatal mental health and reducing social isolation. Following a successful year, plans are in place to expand sessions to rural venues in Rosneath and Garelochhead while further developing the existing Helensburgh sessions.

This project addresses food insecurity in Mid-Argyll by operating a Food Share Hub, providing essential food and household items to those in need. With rising costs disproportionately affecting low-income households, the initiative works with local partners to reduce food waste and offer fresh produce. The service ensures children are not impacted by food poverty while providing a non-judgemental support system. In collaboration with statutory and voluntary organisations, it also offers signposting to further assistance. By alleviating food poverty, the project helps improve overall living standards and supports mental wellbeing within the community.

This project supports individuals referred by the Oban & Lorn Mental Health Team, offering a safe and inclusive environment to improve mental wellbeing. Based in the natural woodlands and gardens of Dunollie Castle and Museum, participants engage in woodworking and gardening activities, building skills and confidence. The group has crafted wooden planters and successfully grown vegetables for use in the on-site Kettle Café. With further funding, the initiative will expand vegetable cultivation, providing participants with valuable life skills, boosting self-esteem, and encouraging social reintegration within the local community.

This project ensures continued access to free 1-2-1 mental health counselling for adults on the Isle of Bute by funding two counsellors, reducing financial barriers and long wait times while preventing the need for off-island travel. Expansion plans include adding a third counsellor to enhance service security, facilitate group therapy to reduce mental health stigma, and provide workplace mental health awareness sessions. Delivered by The Listening Service, part of The Lade Centre, and overseen by a retired Medical Director, this initiative aims to improve community wellbeing and mental health support.

Home-Start Lomond provides tailored support to families in the Helensburgh and Lomond area, aiming to improve mental health, reduce isolation, and strengthen community connections. Having gained independent charity status in 2024, the service has supported 40 families and continues to operate a waiting list due to high demand. Support includes 1:1 staff and volunteer-led assistance, group-based sessions, activities, and workshops, all designed to meet the unique needs of each family. By empowering parents and reducing the risk of adverse childhood experiences, the service helps create stronger, more resilient families.

This project delivers parenting and mental health support groups in partnership with local grassroots organisations to assist vulnerable individuals facing isolation, economic hardship, and mental health challenges. The initiative responds to community feedback, particularly from parents in Cowal, highlighting the need for more 1:1 mental health support. By addressing barriers such as anxiety, neurodivergence, chronic pain, and stigma, the project aims to increase inclusion, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

Support includes four parenting and mental health groups featuring PACE, Circle of Security, Theraplay, and Change Triangle programmes, alongside 1:1 therapeutic support for young people (16+) and parents experiencing trauma, anxiety, or domestic violence. The initiative works closely with Patchwork Nursery, Clyde Cottage Nursery, CLASP, and Cowal Health Visitors to create a more connected and supported community.

This project provides free, inclusive arts and cultural activities for vulnerable groups, including carers, adults with learning difficulties, and care home residents. It offers relaxed film screenings and songs and stories sessions with local musicians, supported by free wheelchair-accessible transport in collaboration with partner organisations. A weekly drop-in art group enables participants to create in a relaxed setting, with opportunities for outdoor painting trips and exhibitions.

For families, a Family Fun Day and inclusive aerial dance workshops will be delivered alongside arts and crafts activities, specifically designed to accommodate children with Additional Support Needs or experiencing trauma. Specialised equipment ensures accessibility for all participants. Additional summer arts and crafts sessions will provide ongoing creative opportunities, fostering connection and wellbeing within the community.

Stepping Stones Support Group supports health and wellbeing through peer-led activities. Sessions include Seated Yoga, Strength and Balance exercises, and Online ChiBall for those unable to attend in person. Community transport ensures accessibility, helping reduce isolation. A local activity directory will also be created to improve participation in community events. Participants report increased fitness, happiness, and social connection.

Ardrishaig Soup Group provides a warm, welcoming space for people aged 60+ and their carers, offering homemade soup, refreshments, and social activities. Initially funded as a pilot, demand has led to its continuation beyond winter. The group reduces loneliness, supports those on fixed incomes facing rising living costs, and fosters social connections lost during the pandemic. By remaining free and inclusive, it strengthens community resilience and improves mental wellbeing, ensuring older and disabled residents feel supported and connected.

Kintyre Food Bank provides essential food packages and signposting to support services for individuals facing financial hardship. With demand rising due to the cost-of-living crisis, ongoing funding is needed to maintain its base and meet growing community needs. Serving one of the most deprived areas in Argyll and Bute, the Food Bank supports those affected by poverty, mental health challenges, and addiction. It offers a warm, welcoming space where users can seek help and be connected to voluntary and statutory agencies, ensuring they receive further support and opportunities for inclusion.

Sub Grub 2 builds on the success of Sub Grub in Helensburgh and Lomond, which provides affordable, nutritious meals while fostering social connections. Expanding the initiative, Sub Grub 2 will offer budget meals alongside the Jibber Jabber group, ensuring an additional day of food and social support for vulnerable individuals, including those struggling with addiction and mental health issues. The project aims to increase food availability up to seven days a week, offering drop-in access for meals, fellowship, and personal development opportunities, while extending its reach across Argyll and Bute through new partnerships.

Home-Start Lorn is expanding its support for parents facing mental health challenges, isolation, and financial hardship. Building on existing group work and one-to-one support, the initiative will introduce parent-focused groups, including a Dads’ Group, specialist training courses, and additional volunteer support. The project aims to provide early intervention, reduce isolation, and empower parents through skill-building and community connections. A community connector role will ensure families can access wider support services through professional drop-ins. The programme also offers respite opportunities, allowing parents time to focus on their mental and physical wellbeing.

This project aims to reduce loneliness and isolation among older people on Bute, helping them stay independent and engaged in the community. It provides weekly support for around 50 referred individuals through peer-befriending outings, 1-2-1 home visits, hospital support, and practical assistance with small tasks. An island-based worker, supported by volunteers, offers additional services such as exercise support, telephone check-ins, and access to other resources. Collaborative activities, including entertainment afternoons, further enhance social connections, improving mental wellbeing and delaying the need for residential care.

Sounds Good brings people together through group singing to improve wellbeing, mental health, and social connections. Meeting weekly at the United Reformed Church Hall, the choir is open to all, with no requirement to read music and a donation-based model making it accessible to low-income groups. Since launching in October 2023, membership has grown to 35, with regular attendance of 22-25 people. Singing as a group provides numerous physical and mental health benefits, including stress relief, improved mood, and increased confidence, helping to reduce social isolation in the community.

Meet-up Mondays provides a weekly gathering space in Lochgoil, offering a warm environment, free internet access, and a free evening meal to support social connection and wellbeing. The project helps reduce rural isolation, supports those facing financial hardship, and signposts attendees to relevant services. Since launching in November 2023, attendance has grown significantly, reaching around 75 adults. Plans for 2025 include expanding transport access, increasing participant involvement, and providing consistent signposting materials, ensuring the meet-ups continue to serve as a vital community hub.

Cùram Thiriodh, based on the Isle of Tiree, provides essential support to the island’s aging and often isolated population. The organisation offers a variety of subsidised or free activities, including group lunches, exercise sessions, library visits, and transport for medical appointments. A dedicated Outreach Worker coordinates activities, ensures participation, and provides direct support such as meal deliveries, prescription collection, and social outings. By addressing loneliness, mental wellbeing, and physical health, Cùram Thiriodh continues to be a lifeline for Tiree’s residents, fostering a more connected and supported community.

Appin Wellbeing Programme continues to deliver a creative and varied range of health and wellbeing activities for elderly residents, young families, and those facing mental health challenges or social isolation. The programme includes nutrition workshops, skills development, recreational activities, and a weekly Warm Hub—a welcoming space for socialising or working in a heated environment. To ensure long-term sustainability, the project focuses on embedding wellbeing activities within the community while facilitating access through targeted outreach and community transport. The initiative is led by Appin Wellbeing Group and ACDT, working to create a lasting support network.

Cooking with Confidence – DIY Dinners builds on Hope Kitchen’s successful cooking programme, helping people with poor mental health, limited cooking skills, and poor diet. Weekly evening sessions will teach low-cost, nutritious meal preparation, offering recipe cards, social interaction, and a Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification.

With space for 32 participants per year, the programme supports confidence-building, social inclusion, and potential pathways into employment. It also helps parents cook healthier meals for their children, promoting better overall health in the community.

Creating Together brings people together through inclusive, accessible music-making groups that support mental health, wellbeing, and creativity. The project provides 40 hours of community music workshops, open to all skill levels, with up to 12 participants per session. Instruments and tuition materials are supplied, with tutors paid at Musicians’ Union rates.

Participants also receive 40 free Music Broth library memberships, allowing them to borrow instruments from a collection of 3,000+ items. The project includes transport support, venue costs, and refreshments. A final showcase event will celebrate participants’ achievements, strengthening community connections through music.

This project creates a supportive environment where young adults with additional support needs (ASN) can connect, learn new skills, and build confidence while addressing isolation, anxiety, and mental health challenges. By working closely with Helensburgh & Lomond Carers Centre, it also provides respite and peer support for young carers and parent carers. Local professionals will lead bespoke activities to promote positive mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage social participation, particularly for those with ASD, ADHD, personality disorders, and learning disabilities. The group ensures accessible, person-centred support, helping participants feel included while building confidence and independence.

The Scenic Sandbank Community Garden aims to create an inclusive, accessible green space where residents can grow food, connect with nature, and participate in social and educational activities. The project promotes well-being, sustainability, and community connection, offering a transformative space that encourages learning, social interaction, and environmental awareness. By focusing on accessibility and inclusivity, the garden will provide lasting benefits for the community, improving quality of life and fostering stronger social ties.

The Craignure Social Improvement SCIO was established to address the lack of social opportunities impacting community well-being. Over the next year, they plan to run a variety of events that promote mental health, tackle social isolation, and strengthen local connections. Activities will include beach cleaning, maintaining local footpaths, and hosting free social gatherings such as seasonal parties, parades, and ceilidhs. They will also provide volunteering opportunities, helping people feel valued and connected, which is essential for self-esteem and well-being.

The project aims to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space within local woodland areas to reduce isolation, alleviate stress, and build resilience through nature-based activities. By offering bushcraft skills, campfire cooking, mindfulness, and therapeutic sessions, participants will have opportunities to learn new skills, boost self-confidence, and form meaningful connections. The initiative focuses on supporting women at various life stages, including those experiencing relocation, childbirth, caring responsibilities, and menopause. Through intergenerational gatherings, participants can share experiences, offer support, and establish lasting community networks, empowering them in their daily lives.

The funding will support four community meals at the Bunessan community garden and Tiroran Community Forest, focusing on seasonal produce, outdoor cooking, and shared meals. These free-to-access events will run during winter to encourage social interaction and community engagement when opportunities for gatherings are reduced. Facilitated by the garden community engagement officer and forest team, sessions will include community transport support, a warm fire, and covered spaces to ensure comfort. The project aims to connect participants to wider volunteering opportunities in gardening and forestry, with a long-term goal of establishing regular food gatherings. Open to all, the initiative will particularly target socially isolated adults, parents of young children, and individuals with mental health challenges, working in collaboration with health services and support groups to ensure accessibility.