Year 6 of the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults offers financial support to local community projects that improve the mental health and wellbeing of people living in the Western Isles.

This Scottish Government fund delivered by the Third Sector Interface Western Isles supports small to medium‑sized community groups, voluntary organisations and social enterprises to deliver adult mental health and wellbeing projects across the Islands archipelago. A total of £200,000 has been allocated to the Western Isles for the two‑year period 2025–2027.

Sixteen local organisations have already secured funding for the two years. Some funding remains available for single‑year projects in 2026–27, and voluntary organisations are invited to apply by 30 October 2026.

The Fund supports groups providing community‑based support and connections for people experiencing distress, disadvantage, isolation, or whose mental health has been negatively affected by the ongoing cost‑of‑living crisis.

The overarching aim is to promote and strengthen good mental health and wellbeing, while mitigating the impact of distress and mental ill health within the adult population (aged 16+), with a particular focus on prevention and early intervention. Key priorities include:

• Addressing mental health inequalities within ‘at risk’ groups.
• Tackling social isolation, loneliness, suicide prevention, poverty and inequality, with a focus on responding to the cost‑of‑living crisis.
• Supporting small grassroots community groups and organisations to deliver activities.
• Fostering connections, building trusted relationships, and revitalising communities.

This initiative aligns directly with Outcome 4 of the Scottish Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy (June 2023), aiming to “better equip communities to support people’s mental health and wellbeing and provide opportunities to connect with others.”

Third Sector Interface Western Isles has distributed over £500,000 to 50 groups across the previous five years of the Fund. Supported projects have included arts, recreation, sporting memories, advocacy, counselling, drop‑in services providing warmth and food, music therapy, woodwork and gardening skills, exercise programmes, befriending, counselling and more. Most awards have been under £5,000, ensuring funding reaches smaller groups delivering support within small communities.

Applications from small‑scale, local projects — and from groups who have not previously applied — are especially welcome. Third Sector Interface Western Isles encourages applicants to consider how projects can create lasting wellbeing benefits through partnership working, matched funding or increased volunteer participation.

The Western Isles Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults opens on Monday 24 August 2026 when application forms will be available, and closes on Friday 30 October 2026.

Before Applying

To ensure projects are eligible and well‑supported, all potential applicants must have an initial discussion with an Officer from one of the Third Sector Interface Partners or the Fund Administrator before an application form can be issued. This conversation helps clarify project fit, answer early questions, and support organisations to submit strong applications.

Partners details can be found on the Third Sector Interface website TSI Western Isles | Support and Advice for the Third Sector