Mental health projects to receive £320,000 cash injection from Bank of Scotland Foundation funding
Mental health projects across Scotland are being offered vital financial support this year, with the launch of a new Mental Health Fund from Bank of Scotland Foundation. Launched today, Monday 14 May, during Mental Health Awareness Week, £320,000 of funding will be made available to mental health charities and other charities that deliver projects focussing on mental health.
Charities can apply for grants of between £1,000 and £25,000 which will be awarded for one year only. Applications must be made via the Bank of Scotland Foundation website before 12 noon on Friday 6 July 2018.
Mental health services are often delivered in non-traditional settings and to ensure Bank of Scotland Foundation can help reach those in real need of support, funding will be available to both mental health charities and other charities delivering mental health projects across Scotland. This may include: -
- Initiatives designed to encourage people suffering from mental health illness to become more involved in their local community.
- Support for life skills development for those with mental health problems.
- Promotion and delivery of financial awareness and money advice service for people with mental health illnesses and their families.
- Traditional support such as counselling sessions and therapy.
As this new Mental Health Fund is a stand-alone programme and will only be available during 2018, charities which have an active Bank of Scotland Foundation grant, have received Bank of Scotland Foundation funding in the last twelve months or have been unsuccessful within the last 12 months are all eligible to apply.
Philip Grant, Chair of Bank of Scotland Foundation’s Board of Trustees and Chair of the Scottish Executive Committee, Lloyds Banking Group said, “We are delighted to launch our Mental Health Fund to help improve the quality of life of people experiencing mental health conditions.
“As anyone can be affected and there can also be an impact on the lives of others, including family and friends, our new fund will vitally allow people across Scotland to benefit from a variety of much needed local services and personal support.”
Maureen Watt, MSP, Minister for Mental Health added “Mental health affects all of us and the Scottish Government wants mental health to be something everybody talks about. Bank of Scotland Foundation’s new fund is a great example of one of Scotland’s prominent funders showing their commitment to helping improve mental health and access to support.”