When I read the recent announcement that the Scottish Government has committed a further £15 million to deliver a seventh year of the Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund for Adults in 2027/28, my first reaction was simple: this is really positive news.

For the organisations we work alongside every day, funding certainly matters. It provides reassurance that community based mental health support continues to be recognised as an essential part of Scotland’s wellbeing infrastructure and acknowledges the incredible work taking place in communities every single day.

Since the Fund was established in 2021, I’ve had the privilege of supporting hundreds of organisations across Aberdeen through the application process. Every organisation is different, every project is unique and every application tells a story about people coming together to improve mental health and wellbeing in ways that are meaningful to their own communities.

What has always struck me is that there is no “one size fits all” approach to improving mental wellbeing. Sometimes support comes through creative arts, physical activity or time spent outdoors. Sometimes it’s a warm space where people can connect over a cup of tea, or a peer support group where someone realises they aren’t facing life’s challenges alone. These projects may all look different, but they share a common goal: helping people before they reach crisis point.

Here in Aberdeen, the impact of the Fund has been remarkable. During the first five years of the fund, more than £2.65 million was invested into 314 local projects, enabling organisations to deliver preventative, community led mental health initiatives across the city. Behind every one of those awards is a local organisation making a tangible difference to people’s lives.

One of the most encouraging developments over the last year has been the opportunity to offer multi year funding to some organisations. Traditionally, many charities have had to work within short funding cycles, often preparing the next application before their current project has even had the chance to develop. Being able to provide longer term funding has offered greater stability, allowing organisations to plan ahead, retain staff and volunteers, and focus on delivering support rather than continually searching for funding. As we prepare to launch the sixth round of the Fund in Aberdeen this year, many of those organisations are continuing into the second year of their awards, and it has been rewarding to see what that additional certainty has made possible.

The Scottish Government has also recognised the value of providing earlier confirmation of future funding. Announcing a commitment to a seventh year now gives Third Sector Interfaces and community organisations greater confidence to plan for the future, something that has become increasingly important in a challenging funding environment.

As Funding Officer at ACVO, one of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing an idea develop into a project that genuinely changes lives. Whether it’s helping an organisation shape an application, talking through a new idea or celebrating a successful award, I’m constantly reminded that funding is never just about money. It’s about creating opportunities, reducing isolation, connecting communities and helping people feel supported.

The announcement of a seventh year is, of course, welcome news. But for me, it also reflects something much bigger. It recognises that prevention and early intervention aren’t short term ambitions – they require long term commitment. Investing in local organisations means investing in people, and that’s something we should all continue to champion.

As we look ahead to opening Aberdeen’s sixth round of the Fund, I’m excited to continue working with organisations across the city to help turn great ideas into projects that improve lives and strengthen communities for years to come.

Read more about the announcement from the Scottish Government at www.gov.scot/news/investing-in-community-mental-health-support/

This article originally appeared in the August 2026 edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine for and from Aberdeen’s third sector. Read and subscribe for free at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news