Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults: impact report - year 2 2022-2023

Findings

There were 86 initial responses to the evaluation questions, and a further 258 responses provided via the additional ask for information, making a total of 344 (23.6% of all projects). These were analysed thematically by Scottish Government researchers. A summary of the findings from this analysis is presented below.

What did projects do?

Respondents were asked what they had expected to do with the funding and what they did do. Several respondents also provided extra information about their projects, the type of activities provided and groups they supported.

Most respondents reported that their projects met the goals set out in their original plans with a considerable number reporting that they managed to, at least modestly, exceed their goals.

There were 344 projects described by respondents. Of these:

Most offered Social Activities

• Often centred on a café model, where people could come together, share a meal, and socialise with other people

Some offered Art and Music Therapy Projects

• Art and music therapy projects involved using creative processes like painting, drawing, playing instruments, and listening to music to promote emotional well-being, self-expression, and healing.

Some offered Physical Health Programmes

• A few projects addressed physical health through group exercise or participation in sports.

A few offered Outdoor Therapeutic/Social Activities

• These projects emphasised connecting with nature for mental health and wellbeing. Activities included walking groups, outdoor clubs (such as archery and kayaking), and bushcraft cookery lessons.

A few offered Direct Support for Financial Hardship

• Projects provided warm rooms, hot meals, and transport to those struggling with heating costs.

A few offered Advocacy and Advice Services

• Some projects offered advocacy and advice relating to mental health, housing and benefits, and accessing services.

Several offered Therapeutic Activities

• These included one-on-one and group therapy, peer support, and workshops.

Alongside those projects some made use of the funding to enhance or add organisational capacity by employing new staff or upgrading facilities. A small number reported spending some of their grant on consumables, equipment, and staff training.

How many sessions were run? How many people were reached?

Respondents were asked how many sessions they had planned when applying for funding, how many they had managed to deliver, and to estimate how many people their project reached.

Most projects delivered at least all the sessions they had planned, and some projects delivered more sessions than they had planned. Nearly all the projects that did not manage to deliver all their planned sessions managed to deliver most of them. No project appears to have overestimated how much was realistically achievable with the funding they received.

Organisations responded in different ways to the second question; some provided a specific number of people they reached, some provided a range, e.g. 35-40 or 300+, and others provided the number of interactions. Due to these different types of responses, it is only possible to use the specific numbers provided to identify a lower range of people who received support.

The largest reported project estimated that it benefitted 3,403 individuals and the smallest project reported that it helped 6 people. The average number of people that it was estimated projects helped was 230. At least 77,236 people were supported by the 346 projects that provided data for this evaluation. If this is representative of the wider reach of funded projects, the number of people supported could potentially exceed 340,000.

Who were the main beneficiaries?

Respondents were asked for more information on who benefited from the projects.

Most projects were specifically focused on one or more of the Fund’s identified themes and specific at-risk groups; women (particularly young women, and women and young women affected by gender-based sexual violence), people with a long term health condition or disability, people from a Minority Ethnic background, refugees and those with no recourse to public funds, people facing socio-economic disadvantage, people experiencing severe and multiple disadvantage, people with diagnosed mental illness, people disadvantaged by geographical location (particularly remote and rural areas), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender and Intersex (LGBTQI+ ) communities, and older people.

Of the 346 projects covered by this evaluation, most were aimed at supporting older people, those with mental health concerns, people with long term physical health conditions, or unpaid carers. Some projects supported individuals in recovery, those with developmental or learning disabilities, or those from areas of high deprivation. A few projects benefited individuals who were socially isolated, financially excluded, refugees and asylum seekers, the LGBT community, the unemployed, victims of gender-based violence, the homeless (and those at risk of homelessness), Gypsy Travellers and those in recovery from addiction. A small number of respondents mentioned volunteers and other partner organisations as beneficiaries of projects alongside other groups.

Some examples of projects that targeted a specific at risk group are provided below:

Minority Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Project – West Dunbartonshire

Overview

To support the integration and wellbeing of refugees and immigrants in West Dunbartonshire, the project conducted 46 weekly advice and information drop-in sessions. These sessions provided vital information on local opportunities to access services or take part in activities, mental health and wellbeing awareness, and mental health support.

Target Audience

The primary beneficiaries were refugees and other immigrants, including members of the Roma community, who had recently moved to West Dunbartonshire.

Services Provided

1. One-to-One Support: The project assisted community members with filling out various application forms, such as home energy discount forms, welfare benefit forms, and job applications, addressing language barriers in the process.

2. Communication Skills Improvement: To boost confidence and ease social connections, the project offered online conversational English sessions for those not enrolled in mainstream classes.

3. Community-Based Activities: The project facilitated the development of community connections through various activities, including: o Women’s group meetings o Cookery classes o Relaxation exercises (Yoga) o Family outdoor activities to locations such as Balloch, Antonine Walls, Botanic Gardens, Heads of Ayr, Safari Park, and Strathclyde Country Park.

Impact

The attendance data indicated a high level of interest in the project’s activities. Feedback collected through surveys, quotes, and attendance records highlighted several positive impacts:

• Reduced Isolation: Participants reported feeling less isolated.
• Improved Communication Skills: Many participants improved their communication skills, self-esteem, and confidence.
• Social Connections: Participants made new friends and gained access to useful information.
• Sense of Belonging: The activities helped service users develop a sense of belonging in their new communities, which is crucial for their integration and wellbeing.

Overall, this project significantly contributed to the social and emotional wellbeing of refugees and immigrants in West Dunbartonshire, fostering a supportive and inclusive community environment.

As in the example above, creating a supportive environment was a commonly reported benefit across various diverse groups. The example below also highlights how funded projects helped to foster supportive and inclusive environments.

Diverse Community Development & Engagement at The Miracle Foundation - North Lanarkshire

Overview

The Miracle Foundation, a bereavement and trauma Support Organisation mainly focused on helping Children and Young People between the age of 4 and 19 years old, launched a project aimed at creating a safe space for under-represented groups to discuss, explore, and engage in matters affecting their mental health and wellbeing. The project also focused on building capacity to support these groups effectively. This initiative was driven by a full-time Community Development Worker who coordinated activities and events by engaging with various groups and organisations.

Target Audience

The project primarily targeted individuals from BAME and LGBT communities in North Lanarkshire.

Approach and Activities

1. Consultations and Questionnaires: The Community Development Worker conducted consultations with individuals from the target groups to identify the most effective support strategies. This led to the development of a culturally and faith-sensitive questionnaire focused on mental health and wellbeing.

2. Community Activities: A variety of activities were organised to foster engagement and support, including:

• Coffee mornings
• Knitting groups
• Art sessions
• Forum discussions

Success Story: Y’s Journey

One notable success story from the project is that of Y, a 17-year-old Ukrainian refugee. Through a one-to-one interview, Y expressed her passion for a future career in mental health and wellbeing, specifically in talking therapy.

The Community Development Worker collaborated with the management team, the

Foundation’s counsellors, local colleagues, and conducted online research to support Y’s educational aspirations. Y was assisted in applying for various courses and was nominated for a fully funded space on a COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland) Certificate in Counselling Skills SCQF Level 8 course through Grounded Learning. The Miracle Foundation further supported Y by funding her course books and materials.

Additionally, Y was provided with a quiet space within the Foundation’s office to complete her online coursework and has expressed her gratitude for the support received. Y also invited the Community Development Worker to a Ukrainian Independence Day event, highlighting the strong community bonds formed through the project. Y continues to volunteer weekly with the organisation. Impact

• The project successfully created a supportive environment for underrepresented groups, enabling them to discuss and address mental health and wellbeing issues.
• The activities and personalised support provided have helped participants feel more connected, confident, and equipped to pursue their goals.
• Overall, the Diverse Community Development & Engagement project at The Miracle Foundation has made a significant impact on the lives of its participants, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment within the community.

The goals and impacts described in the example above were shared by several projects targeted at a variety of the fund’s priority groups. The case study below is a further example of how projects sought to improve wellbeing by helping individuals build resilience and empowering them to reach their goals.

Support for LGBT Young People in Dumfries and Galloway

Project Overview

The project aimed to support LGBT young people aged 16-25 in Dumfries and Galloway by delivering 90 youth group sessions and 150 one-to-one support sessions. The primary goals were to build confidence, resilience, and skills, reduce isolation by creating safe and supportive group environments, and improve social inclusion by fostering stronger connections with the wider community.

Approach and Activities

1. Youth Groups and One-to-One Support: 90 youth group sessions and 150 one-to-one support sessions were provided, reaching 64 individual LGBT young people. These sessions were designed to empower young people to take charge of their own futures and connect them with the necessary information and services to achieve their goals.

2. Asset-Based Model of Youth Work: The project’s approach was centred on an asset-based model, which meets young people where they are, empowers them to drive their own destinies, and links them to the support they need to achieve their self-directed positive outcomes.

Impact

Through outreach activities and partnerships, the project engaged with 3,617 people via information stalls at community events such as Youth Beatz, local town fun days, freshers fayres, and young carers events. They also delivered interactive mainstream sessions to external youth groups and secondary schools on LGBTQ+ awareness and challenging discrimination.

• These sessions increased awareness of their services among young people, families, and professionals across the region, enabling them to access support or refer others who might benefit from our services.
• The project successfully created a supportive environment for LGBTI young people, helping them build confidence, resilience, and skills. By reducing isolation and improving social inclusion, the project fostered stronger connections within the community. The outreach activities significantly raised awareness of their services, ensuring that more young people could access the support they needed.
• Overall, the project made a meaningful impact on the lives of LGBT young people in Dumfries and Galloway, promoting a more inclusive and supportive community.

Many projects provided support to unpaid carers. These often sought to improve mental wellbeing by providing advice, peer support, or, as in the example below, direct financial support towards accessing respite, allowing unpaid carers a break from their caring roles and empowering them to improve their quality of life.

Me Time - Scottish Borders

Project Overview

The “Me Time” project received £10,000 to support unpaid carers by providing access to therapeutic treatments aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing. The funding was used to award £50 vouchers to carers, which they could use with a provider of their choice in their local area for services such as massage and alternative therapies.

Target Audience

The beneficiaries were unpaid carers with significant caring roles, primarily female and aged 60+, many of whom were living with long-term health conditions exacerbated by the demands of caregiving. Given the rural nature of the Scottish Borders, the project aimed to remove barriers and promote accessibility by enabling carers to access therapists locally or at home.

Services Provided

1. Therapeutic Treatments: Vouchers were provided for various therapeutic treatments, allowing carers to choose services that best suited their needs.

2. Accessibility: The project ensured that carers could access treatments either in their local area or at home, making it easier for them to benefit from the services.

Impact

• The project successfully achieved its goals, providing much-needed respite and support to unpaid carers.
• Many carers experienced significant improvements in their mental health and well-being, as well as a reduction in the stresses and demands of their caregiving roles.

Success Story: E’s Journey

One notable success story is that of E, who initially attended the project for digital connectivity but left with additional support information. E began attending warm room sessions and opened-up about her addiction issues and financial barriers. Despite low self-esteem, she wanted to make positive changes for herself and her daughter.

E started participating regularly in training and social activities, which boosted her confidence and self-worth. She began using fitness facilities, and her daughter joined in sports activities. E also expressed interest in work and employment, aiming to support others and take control of her recovery, which was three months clean at that point.

With guidance from the project, E completed a course in adult care through

Community Enterprise in Scotland (CEIS) and successfully applied for a job with North Ayrshire Adult Social Care. She now enjoys her job and helps run social sessions at the club, demonstrating the transformative impact of the “Me Time” project.

Outcomes

The “Me Time” project in the Scottish Borders provided essential support to unpaid carers, enhancing their mental health and well-being through accessible therapeutic treatments. The project not only offered respite but also empowered carers to improve their quality of life, as evidenced by success stories like E’s.

What did the project achieve?

Respondents were asked to detail how they met the proposed outcomes from their funding agreements. These outcomes were often highly specific to each project though some common themes were present such as improved health and wellbeing, increased community engagement, and impacts on individuals.

Nearly all projects reported meeting most, or all, of their proposed outcomes with many providing feedback they had collected from individual participants to support this.

Nearly all of the feedback provided was positive and individuals attending projects reported feeling improvements in their mental health and wellbeing. Some of the more common impacts described were:

• Creating a supportive environment – This was a key aim and impact of many of the projects respondents detailed. While common across many projects it was particularly referenced where the groups involved could potentially be considered marginalised.
• Reducing isolation and improving social inclusion – Many projects aimed to improve mental health and wellbeing by tackling social isolation. Either through creating greater connectiveness between peers or encouraging participation and engagement with the wider community.
• Building confidence, resilience, and skills – Some projects sought to improve mental health and wellbeing by providing training to help participants feel more confident, improve their resilience, and manage their own conditions, or to empower participants to seek out new opportunities for themselves.
• Financial support and advice - Some projects provided advice on financial issues to help reduce stress participants might be feeling by being affected by the cost of living crisis. A few projects provided direct financial support to those in need via vouchers for food, fuel, and other necessities.

Projects reported providing a supportive environment for participants with many reporting that they helped participants build confidence, skills. A number of projects reported that they helped build or enhance a sense of community and fostered social connections between individuals involved.

Some selected projects are summarised below to showcase some of the range of outcomes and impacts reported:

Reachout With Arts In Mind - Clackmannanshire

Project Overview

The “Creative Spaces” project was initiated by Reachout With Arts In Mind during the pandemic. These staff-led, inclusive spaces promote self-directed and lifelong learning opportunities through co-producing artwork, empowering personalisation and choice among members. The project aimed to enhance the skills, confidence, and self-worth of members with long-term conditions, enabling them to emerge as confident leaders in designing, facilitating, and evaluating sessions.

Target Audience

The project primarily supported individuals with long-term conditions, fostering a safe and inclusive environment for personal and artistic growth.

Approach and Activities

1. Inclusive Creative Spaces: The project provided a safe, inclusive space for members to engage in creative activities, promoting self-directed learning and personalisation.

2. Skill Building and Empowerment: Members were encouraged to build their skills, confidence, and self-worth, with the goal of becoming leaders in the community.

Success Story: S’s Journey

One notable success story is that of S, who has significantly improved his selfawareness, life skills, social skills, and overall wellbeing through his participation in Reachout.

S’s Testimonial: "I joined Reachout in September 2019 after receiving a late diagnosis of Autism, OCD, Anxiety, and Mild Learning Difficulties at 23 years old. The year before my diagnosis, I lost my one true friend, my grandfather, so it was a difficult time for me. I attended several other community groups, but none of them worked out until I found Reachout. At first, I wasn’t sure about attending, but I thought I could give it a try. It turned out to be the exact opposite of my fears. Things have improved for me since coming to Reachout, and some of my emotional pain has gone away. I feel more appreciated and have a sense of life at Reachout. It’s getting out of the house, being able to create, the nattering, the laughs, and possible trips out with folk that I really enjoy. I also like to paint and have my work in exhibitions, such as the one at Forth Valley Royal Hospital where I had a painting inspired by my late grandfather’s greenhouse on display. I’m a grump when I’m not at Reachout. Reachout is my second home; I get homesick when I haven’t been in a while."

Impact

• The “Creative Spaces” project has successfully provided a supportive environment for individuals with long-term conditions, helping them build confidence, skills, and a sense of community. Members like S have experienced significant personal growth and improved wellbeing, demonstrating the project’s positive impact.
• Overall, Reachout With Arts In Mind has fostered a nurturing and empowering space for its members, promoting artistic expression and personal development in Clackmannanshire.

Many projects were able to point to high levels of repeat attendance as evidence of participant satisfaction. While there were a few who reported low attendance, they were able to point to positive evaluations, and their observed impacts, of their projects on those who did attend.

Moray Monday Club - Moray

Project Overview

The Moray Monday Club sought funding to cover approximately 75% of the costs for 12 outings, including lunch and afternoon tea, for people living with dementia and their carers. These outings aimed to provide enjoyable and supportive experiences for the club members.

Target Audience

The project primarily supported individuals living with dementia and their carers, offering them opportunities to socialise and enjoy outings together.

Activities and Services

• Outings: The club organised 12 outings throughout the year, which included lunch and afternoon tea. These outings were designed to provide a fun and relaxing environment for members.

Impact

Growing Participation: The number of participants grew significantly, with over 60 people attending each outing by the end of the year.

The positive impact of the outings is reflected in the feedback from members:

• Enjoyment and Fun: “We love getting out on the bus and having lunch, we have so much fun.”
• Support for Carers: “As a carer for my husband, I find life very lonely now as he can’t converse with me, so I love being with other people in the same situation as it makes my life a little bit easier and lighter.”
• Accessibility and Social Connection: “My wife and I love going to the Moray Monday Club. Since I had to give up driving, we can’t get out and about anymore, but the trips with the club let us enjoy getting out and being with our new friends.”

The Moray Monday Club successfully provided valuable outings for people living with dementia and their carers, fostering social connections and improving overall well-being. The project not only offered enjoyable experiences but also facilitated access to essential services, contributing to the health and happiness of its members.

Projects were able to provide concrete examples of support offered to participants. One example is given below where access to the project was instrumental in providing financial support and advice to adults on the Autistic spectrum. The project was also able to empower parents and carers to understand their, and their children’s rights, and ensure they were receiving appropriate support for their educational needs.

Creatovators - East Dunbartonshire

Project Overview

Creatovators ran the “You Are Not Alone” (YANA) sessions, which provided pre- and post-autism diagnosis support and signposting for adults on the autistic spectrum, as well as their parents and carers. These sessions were conducted in partnership with other organisations to offer comprehensive support.

Target Audience

The project primarily supported adults on the autistic spectrum and their parents and carers, providing them with valuable information and resources.

Activities and Services

1. Financial Support Session: One of the YANA sessions focused on financial support. As a result, a mother was able to access financial assistance, which enabled her to attend more sessions and receive ongoing support.

2. Mainstream Education Support Session: Another session addressed support in mainstream education. A mother reported that she arrived unsure about her child’s educational needs but left with a complete plan. This session sparked hope and provided actionable steps for parents facing similar challenges.

Impact

The YANA sessions had a significant positive impact on the participants:

• Access to Financial Support: Participants were able to access financial resources that facilitated their continued engagement with the sessions.
• Educational Planning: Parents received practical guidance and plans for their children’s education, fostering a sense of hope and direction.

The “You Are Not Alone” sessions by Creatovators in East Dunbartonshire successfully provided essential support and resources to adults on the autistic spectrum and their families. The sessions empowered participants with practical solutions and hope, significantly improving their ability to navigate financial and educational challenges.

Projects that involved access to exercise or sports activities reported how they helped improve individuals’ activity levels, their levels of mobility and their physical and mental health. Projects reported enabling transformative change and empowering participants to grow in confidence, helping them develop the tools to combat social isolation and improve their personal relationships.

An example of one such project is detailed below:

Challenge Yourself, Discover Yourself - Venture Scotland, North Lanarkshire

Project Overview

Venture Scotland delivered two outdoor-based, mental health awareness personal development programmes in North Lanarkshire: “Challenge - Believe in Yourself and Trust in Others” and “Discover - Understand Your Emotions and Build Positive Relationships.” These programmes aimed to reduce isolation, build trusting relationships, and enhance mental health awareness and resilience through regular outdoor activities, group-based life skills sessions, and one-to-one support.

Target Audience

Young people between 16-30 who are experiencing poor mental health. Activities and Services

1. Outdoor Activity Days: 14 sessions with 9 individuals.

2. Life Skills Group Work: 11 sessions with 8 individuals.

3. Bothy Trips: A 3-day trip with 8 individuals and a 5-day trip with 6 individuals.

Impact

Participants engaged in creating art or music, which helped them express difficult emotions, improve their mental wellbeing, and grow their confidence.

Success Story: P’s Journey

P was referred to the project by Barnardo’s Employability service. Coming from a social care background, P was experiencing poor mental health and isolation.

Outdoor Programme Leader’s Insight: "At the beginning of the course, P struggled to show his emotions and felt the need to act brash to control vulnerable situations. He didn’t want to show vulnerability. As the project progressed, P found it relaxing to be himself at Venture Scotland and often felt like a burden to his foster family.

The biggest moment for P was during the final bothy trip to Glen Etive. P expressed that this was the happiest he had been in a long time, especially when discussing how it felt to be woken up with a cup of tea in the morning. P shared that he wasn’t used to being treated as an equal and doesn’t feel valued in his daily life.

During an impromptu evening reflection, P expressed that he normally finds it “really hard” to talk honestly about his feelings because it would be seen as “weird.” He thanked everyone on the trip for making it okay for him to be open and said he really

“values” being able to express himself."

P’s Reflection: P reflected that his time on the project gave him the ability to be open with others and equipped him with the skills to take his next steps on his own. By the end of the course, P had drastically improved his self and social awareness, and his ability to understand and express his emotions, communicate effectively, and maintain positive relationships.

The “Challenge Yourself, Discover Yourself” programmes by Venture Scotland successfully reduced isolation, built trusting relationships, and enhanced mental health awareness and resilience among participants. The project provided a supportive environment for personal growth, as evidenced by P’s transformative journey.

There were also projects that combined physical activities with therapeutic support and arts and crafts activities. Respondents highlighted how their projects combatted social isolation, allowed participants to re-engage with and feel more included in their communities, and how this helped them improve their mental health and wellbeing.

An example of one such projects is detailed below:

Wellbeing Project, PAMIS (Promoting A More Inclusive Society) - North Lanarkshire

Project Overview

The Wellbeing Project by PAMIS aimed to deliver accessible, in-person leisure events, and successfully provided a range of activities designed to improve physical health, communication, and social interaction.

Target Audience

People with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and their carers.

Activities and Services

1. Music Therapy Sessions: Fortnightly in-person music sessions led by a trained music therapist.

2. Rebound Therapy: A challenging yet fun full-body workout for people with PMLD, improving physical health, respiratory and bowel health, communication, and interaction.

3. Arts and Crafts: Creative sessions to engage participants in artistic activities.

4. Wake Up Shake Up Sensory Session: Sensory activities to stimulate and engage participants.

5. Canal Cruise: An accessible, meditative canal cruise, offering learning about wildlife and the history of the Forth and Clyde canal.

6. Pony Axes: Providing wheelchair users access to outdoor areas like woodlands and beaches using horse and cart.

7. Disco: Social events to encourage interaction and enjoyment.

8. Emotional 1-1 Support: Available for bereaved families who have lost their caring role.

9. Outdoor Adventure Session: Activities to promote physical engagement and enjoyment.

10. Creative Writing: Sessions to encourage expression through writing.

Impact

The Wellbeing Project provided several examples of how social spaces and activities helped individuals who had become socially isolated. Feedback from participants showed that these services were well-received and helped people reconnect with their local communities. Access to these activities was also beneficial to their mental wellbeing.

Success Story: C’s Journey

C is a young woman with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and complex care needs, requiring 2-to-1 care at all times. Supported by her carers and overseen by her mother, C is nonverbal and struggles with communication. Her opportunities for social interaction are limited, but she loves spending time with peers in safe and supportive environments.

C’s Mum’s Feedback on Music Therapy: “My daughter attends with her support workers and really enjoys the sessions. She loves being part of the group and engaging in one of her favourite activities – music. Not only is this a fun activity for her, but it also provides an opportunity to be with peers, which isn’t always easy within the local community. There are few inclusive activities that afford my daughter the chance to be with her peers, which is hugely important to reduce her isolation and help her recognise herself within a peer group. Another important aspect is the chance to build on and learn new skills, such as turn-taking and supporting others in the group.”

The Wellbeing Project by PAMIS in North Lanarkshire successfully delivered a variety of accessible leisure events for people with PMLD and their carers. The project not only improved physical health and communication but also significantly reduced isolation and enhanced social inclusion, as demonstrated by the positive experiences of participants like C.

There were several more examples of projects that offered the provision of social spaces and activities for individuals who had become socially isolated.

Quotes provided by respondents showed that these services were well received and helped people reconnect with local communities. Others found that being able to access activities was beneficial to their mental wellbeing.

An example of one of these projects is given below:

Artlink Edinburgh and Lothians - The Social Programme - Midlothian

Project Overview

The Social Programme by Artlink Edinburgh and Lothians aimed to support local resources such as cafes and social clubs to host activities closer to people’s homes. The goal was to create practical and enjoyable events that were as enjoyable for venue and support staff as they were for service users. These events were hosted by a combination of Artlink artists and musicians, local DJs, bingo callers, tribute acts, crafters, and dance groups. The project invited venues that already offered social activities to collaborate and expand their offerings.

Target Audience

The project focused on enriching the social lives of learning-disabled and autistic people, particularly those with complex needs, through partnerships and community engagement.

Activities

1. Community Events: The project filled church halls, community rooms, and social clubs with dancing and laughter, creating inclusive and enjoyable social events.

2. Collaborative Hosting: Events were hosted by a mix of artists, musicians, DJs, and other entertainers, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for participants.

Impact

Artlink Edinburgh and Lothians successfully created enriching social events for learning-disabled and autistic individuals, particularly those with complex needs.

Success Stories

Case Study 1: A’s Journey During the lockdown, A became isolated from friends as her regular group day activities were paused. Two years of social restrictions and a family death impacted her confidence to return to group activities. Last year, she joined a drama group through the Social Programme and rebuilt connections with friends. After developing a health condition that required hospital assessment, A expressed her determination to return to drama: “I don’t care what happens, I’m going back to my drama… I miss my friends… I want to get the bus myself, I’m a good traveller.”

Artlink collaborated with social work to create a support plan for A’s return, assisting her with bus journeys and gentle socialisation back into the workshops. Over the last year, A’s confidence has blossomed, and she has developed her creative theatre skills in set design, performance, and prop-making. She no longer requires a care manager.

Case Study 2: D’s Journey In the last year, D has joined many of the Social

Programme workshops and recently left a voice note saying, “I’ve got a busier social life than you” – and he’s right! D is blind and loves the Sensory Café in One Dalkeith, where he makes experimental sounds and tactile sculptures from different textured materials. D is playing a main role in the Theatre for the Fabulous drama group’s end-of-year play and has made a lovely network of friends whom he sees weekly at Thursday Live and fortnightly at the Tuesday Club. He now contacts and meets these friends outside of Artlink sessions. D’s mum shared, “He enjoys Artlink, especially the social aspect. It’s been a confidence boost; he’s come out of his shell over the last year. I work three days a week, so this gives me a real break too.”

The project fostered community engagement, reduced isolation, and boosted confidence and social skills among participants, as evidenced by the positive experiences of individuals like A and D.

There were also projects that reported having a positive impact on the mental wellbeing of participants through offering financial advice or support.

Projects reported facilitating access to vital support services and providing advice and support that would continue to have a positive impact fostering long-term positive outcomes and enhancing the overall well-being of the communities they served.

An example of one such project is given below:

Ayr Housing Aid Centre SCIO - South Ayrshire

Project Overview

The Ayr Housing Aid Centre Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) received funding to enhance access to free, independent, and accredited housing advice, advocacy, representation, and support. This initiative aimed to assist vulnerable families affected by the cost of living crisis, ultimately improving their mental health and well-being.

Activities and Services

1. Employment of a New Housing Caseworker: The funding allowed the Centre to hire a new type II Housing Caseworker, increasing the capacity to assist more people and alleviating pressure on the existing Advice Team.

2. Comprehensive Support: The Centre provided support with issues such as homelessness, housing options, fuel poverty, rent arrears, unsuitable accommodation, repairs, legal rights, relationship breakdown, Council Tax, and benefit entitlements.

Impact and Outcomes

The Centre provided support to 395 individuals, including partners and children, through 220 new cases. These cases generated 516 internal action plans covering various issues.

1. Financial Recovery and Savings: The Centre recovered £34,000 for service users or their rent accounts from 99 applications. Additionally, homelessness was prevented in 15 cases, saving over £10,000 in temporary accommodation costs and £30,000 in social cost savings per household. The total savings amounted to over £600,000, with a Social Return on Investment of £21 for every £1 from the Voluntary Action South Ayrshire fund.

2. Positive Outcomes: Of the 172 cases closed throughout the year, 82% achieved positive outcomes, likely due to the information and support provided to progress their situations.

Impact

• The Centre received 107 referrals from over 20 different external agencies and actively signposted individuals to around 50 different specialist organisations, ensuring comprehensive support for those in need.
• The project empowered service users to enforce their housing rights and alleviate poverty by reducing, delaying, and preventing homelessness. This empowerment allowed individuals to take control of their situations, significantly improving their mental health by reducing anxiety, pressure, and stress associated with the threat of homelessness.
• The Ayr Housing Aid Centre SCIO successfully increased access to vital housing support services, helping vulnerable families navigate the challenges posed by the cost of living crisis. The project not only provided immediate relief but also fostered long-term positive outcomes, enhancing the overall well-being of the community.

What were respondents most proud of?

Respondents were asked to describe the achievements of their projects, to date, of which they were most proud.

Several projects chose to relay the positive, and often transformative, impacts of their activities on individuals, highlighting, via anonymised case studies, how those attending reported benefiting emotionally and mentally. This included, for example: allowing them the space to explore their emotions free from judgement; giving them a break from caring duties; or helping those who were struggling with financial pressures due to the cost-of-living crisis.

One project reported directly preventing someone’s death by suicide due to their intervention as their proudest achievement.

Some examples of projects that chose to relay these positive and transformative impacts are provided below:

Community Mental Health and Wellbeing - Argyll and Bute (Isle of Islay)

Project Overview

The Community Mental Health and Wellbeing project in Argyll and Bute, specifically on the Isle of Islay, has been a core component of the local leisure centre for years. The project aims to reduce mental health issues by bringing people with similar interests together through various activities.

Activities and Services

1. Chess and Camera Clubs: These clubs were organised to bring people together and reduce mental health issues by fostering social connections among individuals with similar interests.

2. Aquacare: For people with long-term conditions, Aquacare sessions were provided. These sessions required a referral from a medical professional and offered personalized exercises in a warm, zero-gravity environment.

Impact

• The Community Mental Health and Wellbeing project has successfully provided essential support and activities that foster social connections and improve mental health.
• The Aquacare sessions, in particular, have had a significant positive impact on individuals with long-term conditions, helping them regain their physical abilities and confidence.

Success Story: R’s Journey

R, a 69-year-old individual, had a hip replacement four years ago. In July 2022, while at home alone, R’s right leg gave way, and X-rays revealed that his replacement hip joint had snapped and dislocated. This led to an eight-hour operation to remove the old joint and fit a new one.

R, a driven individual who regularly walked up to 28km and served as a coastguard, became frustrated at his sudden inability to perform tasks he found easy just a week before. He was assigned a physiotherapist and referred to Aquacare.

R’s Experience with Aquacare: R has been attending Aquacare every week for the last four months. He found the exercise programme appropriate and would return home from sessions “exhausted but in a good way.” Thanks to Aquacare, R is now back to walking unaided and has resumed his service with the local coastguard.

The Community Mental Health and Wellbeing project on the Isle of Islay has been instrumental in reducing mental health issues and improving the overall wellbeing of its participants. Through activities like chess and camera clubs and specialised sessions like Aquacare, the project has created a supportive environment that promotes physical and mental health.

What were the challenges?

Respondents were asked what challenges they faced running their projects. Around a fifth of respondents noted that they faced no significant challenges in meeting the objectives of their funding plans. Of the remaining respondents, most listed challenges relating to a lack of resources to meet demand.

Oversubscription often meant projects had to spend more on additional transport or larger premises. It also sometimes meant that additional volunteers had to be recruited to help support increased numbers.

"Our main challenge is meeting demand - we are experiencing massive increases in registrations and our services cannot expand quickly enough to accommodate everyone.”

A few projects reported that volunteer recruitment proved challenging.

“Although it did not directly affect delivery of these sessions, we have across our organisation experienced challenges in 2023 with volunteer retention and recruitment. This is in line with many other third sector organisations who are also hearing from volunteers that they unable to continue committing time to non-paid work due to the cost-of-living crisis. To mitigate this, we have been running additional recruitment campaigns as well as targeting universities to recruit students looking for practice placements."

There were also a few projects that struggled to recruit the expected number of participants or reported a lack of engagement from participants once the project had started.

“We have faced a few challenges, most significantly relating to non or very low usage in the early stages of the project. This happened for several reasons e.g. carers feeling worried about going to the leisure centre for the first time or demands of their caring role are such that they no longer have time.”

Several projects highlighted that a lack of resources, often financial but sometimes in terms of staffing or accommodation, was a challenge in ensuring that they met the objectives outlined in their funding plans. However, most reported that they managed to adapt to achieve their objectives, either by combining activities, offering alternative dates and venues, or by redirecting or increasing volunteering capacity.

“Our biggest challenge is lack of funding which makes it hard for our peer supporters to give as much as they can to families as we have had a 56% increase in referrals. We have had to adapt our model of support to accommodate the increase in referrals to the charity and now provide slightly less sessions to each family each year.”

Staff turnovers and absences, due to a range of factors from illness to bereavement, were also reported by some projects as producing challenges. In most cases, organisations were able to re-fill vacant posts or find suitable cover for the duration of their project.

“We had our own difficulties as financial limitations made it difficult to recruit new staff to cover increased demand as fully as we would have liked; serious illness in our small staff team brought additional challenges. However, we maintained all services as fully as possible, using reserves to shore up financial shortfalls, and better managed volunteer work to maintain service provision. We know from increasing referral numbers that our services are greatly needed.”

Adverse weather proved to be an issue for a few projects associated with outdoor activities and in rural areas. In most cases, projects reported responding to this by finding temporary indoor alternatives or changing activity dates.

“In general, the project ran as planned. As always with outdoor activities, we are at the mercy of the weather and we had to make occasional adaptations to activities or move dates if we faced bad weather.”

A lack of permanent premises or location for activities was highlighted by a few projects as a challenge, as it meant relying on the availability of space from external organisations. Some projects reported experiencing issues due to the stigma attached to their client groups that they felt made booking project space more challenging.

“It was initially tricky to find an appropriate venue that was available for the length of the project. We were delighted to work with the council of the Community Centre who were very flexible to our needs, as we required a room large enough for 20 people plus a choir leader with keyboard, and a projector screen, and access to a kitchen.”

Finally, a few projects reported issues with inappropriate referrals, where people who were not ready for support or unable to take part, due to health or mobility issues, were referred and could not take part in the project’s activities.

“One young adult, who was unable to walk upstairs without pain, met with our Outdoor Programme Leader and Outreach and Support Worker, who compassionately advised that the project was not the right fit for them in the long-term. We did not want the young adult to commit to the project and worsen their condition and risk experiencing worsening mental health as a result of being unable to fully participate. Another young person with arthritis was also referred to the project.”