Following the announcement of the second year of Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund in May 2022, VASLan, Third Sector Interface for South Lanarkshire, is proud to continue taking the role of funding lead for the South Lanarkshire area. 

We will continue to work with local partners in managing and distributing the funding to organisations and community support groups that promote and develop mental health and wellbeing. 

A further £15 million has been awarded for the second year of the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund to support mental health and wellbeing in communities across Scotland, the Scottish Government has confirmed. 

In 2021/2022, the first year of the funding, VASLan managed to allocate over £1 million to 100 organisations across South Lanarkshire. MorphFit Gentle Movement Project Ltd., a social enterprise based in Hamilton, is one of the organisations that secured a £9,075 grant in the first year of the funding. MorphFit Gentle Movement Project Ltd. is delivering gentle movement exercise to the local communities experiencing health issues to help improve their general wellbeing. 

“Our organisation was satisfied with the application process and timescales. We found VASLan to be extremely supportive throughout the process and always at hand to provide any guidance we may require.   

“The fund itself was targeted at a key area of concern which we feel requires much support across society. We trust that through successful organisations such as our own this grant will undoubtedly help to increase mental health and wellbeing across our community.” 

The media pack that we received was extremely helpful and user friendly.” A spokeperson for MorphFit Gentle Movement Project Ltd. told VASLan. 

  

Nicola Pollock, Fitness Specialist at MorphFit Gentle Movement Project Ltd is delivering a session

VIDEO | VASLan Organisation Spotlight: MorphFit Gentle Movement Project Ltd

In East Kilbride, the East Kilbride Talking Newspaper express their gratitude in securing £2,000 funding last year. 

Lesley Noble, Chairperson of East Kilbride Talking Newspaper said: 

“Before we applied for this grant, I was the only person involved with the weekly production of the finished recordings, using our one and only old laptop. With the grant we have been able to purchase two laptops. The first big improvement is this has allowed for me to train a volunteer to produce the final recording and thus allow us to continuously produce something every week. 

“The new laptop also brought us up to date with various new programs which have assisted us in a slicker, better quality product. The new equipment has transformed the way we work. We also now have a backup should one of the laptops not work, something that was badly required.  

Production is quicker so the listeners now get the newspaper information a day earlier than before which is something we have wanted to achieve for a while, and the online version is uploaded the same day as the paper is available in the shops. This has given us as a charity, the time to investigate new sources of information that we can add to our production every week, including permission from Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to add some of their podcasts from Connect Radio which our listeners like.” 

East Kilbride Talking Newspaper 

VIDEO | VASLan Organisation Spotlight: East Kilbride Talking Newspaper

Securing a £10,000 grant, East Kilbride United Community Sports Club mentioned that the feedback from the groups benefiting from the VASLan support has been incredible. The organisation said:

“The fact that previously isolated individuals are meeting on a regular basis in a safe environment doing things they really enjoy has been the theme through all of the feedback.” 

“As an example, the disabled group on a Thursday night who play pool, among other things, have now purchased their own pool cues and playing with each other outwith the group meeting which never happened before. It has grown them as individuals, and they all look forward to coming to Kirktonholme.”   

Joanne McMann, Engagement Lead of VASLan, said: 

“I am excited to be leading South Lanarkshire’s Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing fund for 2022/2023. Going into winter, facing the cost-of-living crisis this fund could potentially be a lifeline for many organisations that members of the community rely on, as well as producing groups and services that will strengthen the mental health and wellbeing within these communities.” 

“VASLan would like to encourage grass root organisations to apply, if support is required, we have Development Officers ready to help. For 2022/2023, VASLan is pro-actively looking at ways to reduce barriers to funding and will be offering organisations applying for under £2,000 the opportunity to apply in person, with 1:1 support.” 

“The result from 2021/22 made it possible for 100 organisations to grow mental health and wellbeing resilience within their communities. VASLan is determined to continue supporting our sector to increase its impact on positive mental health within South Lanarkshire. With our growing staff base, VASLan now has more development officers within communities, engaging with organisations and offering advice and support on all matters including funding.” 

“This is an exciting time to be a part of the VASLan team and to be involved with the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.”

Information Sessions

Recorded session is now available below:

VASLan look forward to working with the third sector organisations and community groups in 2022/2023 to support many projects and programmes that focus on mental health and wellbeing of the people in South Lanarkshire. 

More information about this fund will be published shortly in a separate announcement on our website and social media, alongside details of eligibility, criteria, and the application process.

If you have any questions, please contact us:

Email	: funding@vaslan.org.uk
Phone	: 01698 300390
Address	: 128 Almada St, Hamilton ML3 0EW
Website	: www.vaslan.org.uk/cmhwf