Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund for Adults (2024–2025) — Dundee

Overview 

In 2024–25, the Dundee Third Sector Interface (TSI) administered over £419,914 through the Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund for Adults, directly supporting 41 funded initiatives. The fund supported grassroots organisations to address local priorities, increase community resilience, and improve wellbeing across Dundee. 

What We Funded 

Funding was distributed to a wide range of community-led projects, including: 

  • Social cafes and befriending groups tackling isolation
  • Creative workshops promoting mental health
  • Community events and health-focused initiatives
  • Support groups for women, older adults, and marginalised populations

By the Numbers 

  • 💸 Total funding awarded: £419,914 
  • 👥 Organisations funded: 41 
  • 📝Unique Participants: Over 4,000 
  • 🙋Volunteers: Over 280  
  • 4 organisations stated that their volunteers included former service users/participants.   

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Target groups reached: 

  • Older people 
  • Women (including those experiencing gender-based violence) 
  • Men facing isolation and mental health challenges 
  • Disabled people 
  • Family groups (parents) 
  • Refugees and asylum seekers 

Community Priorities Addressed 

Projects focused on: 

  • 🧠 Mental health and wellbeing 
  • 🏘️ Building local resilience 
  • 🧒 Supporting vulnerable families 
  • 🫂 Reducing loneliness and isolation 
  • 💬 Increasing access to services and support 

Who Benefited? 

Across all projects there were over 4,000 unique participants and over 6,800 reported recurring participations or engagements. Funded groups worked with some of Dundee’s most vulnerable residents, ensuring barrier-free access to support. The approach was community-driven, with a focus on: 

  • Trust-based relationships 
  • Trauma-informed practices 
  • Creative engagement 

Local Voices, Local Impact 

  • 🧠80–90% of participants reported that their mental health had improved. 
    (Reported by 18 funded projects)   
  • 👥80–95% of participants reported feeling less isolated.
    (Reported by 15 funded projects)   
  • 👍Around 80–90% of participants reported improved confidence or resilience.
    (Reported by 11 projects)   

“This group has been a godsend.” 
Dundee and Angus ADHD Support Group Participant 

“Before this I had nobody. I was alone with everything…Now he has somewhere he belongs and people who understand him.” 
Speech Language Communication Company (Connect+) Participant  

“My family eats a lot better, more fruit and vegetables and I have the confidence to cook from scratch.” 
Maxwell Centre & Garden Participant 

“I wasn’t in a good place but my friend encouraged me to come along, now I feel much better.” 
AMINA MWRC Participant

Looking Ahead 

With the success of the 2024–25 round, Dundee TSI continues to advocate for community empowerment through small grants, enabling organisations to respond quickly to local needs with tailored, compassionate support. 

Projects awarded funding: Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults – Year 4 – Projects Funded

Summary of Reporting & Monitoring: Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults – Year 4 – Monitoring and Reporting Summary

 

Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund for Adults (2023–2024) — Dundee

Overview

In 2023–2024, the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund supported a diverse range of local organisations across Dundee, allocating £423,735.43 to projects that aim to improve mental health, reduce social isolation, and promote community connection.

These 50+ funded initiatives have had a tangible impact, empowering grassroots efforts to reach adults across the city, especially those in marginalised and vulnerable communities.

The majority of funded initiatives addressed one or more of the following priorities:

  • Tackling social isolation

  • Improving access to physical activity and nature

  • Addressing health inequalities

  • Supporting people with poor mental health or financial stress

Key Outcomes Across Dundee

  • Wider Reach: Projects engaged adults from a range of demographics, including women, those with long-term health conditions, and people facing economic hardship.

  • Volunteer Power: Over 300 volunteers helped bring these community ideas to life.

  • Holistic Support: Activities ranged from fitness and arts to befriending and food security – meeting people where they are.

  • Community Resilience: Many projects reported improved confidence, reduced anxiety, and stronger local connections.

To view and download the full list of funded organisations in 2023-24: Dundee_Communities_Fund_2023-24_Summary

 

All projects funded across Scotland can be found here.