£96,080 Secured for Mental Health Initiatives in Clackmannanshire

Funding totaling £96,080 will be distributed among five organizations in Clackmannanshire to enhance mental health support for young people. This initiative aims to address the growing mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents in the region through various community-focused projects.

Distribution of Funds to Key Programs

The funding allocation includes £42,875 awarded to the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) under its Stronger Minds, Brighter Futures program. This initiative will implement early intervention strategies within schools, focusing on mental health literacy and building capacity across the educational community. The program is designed to foster collaboration among schools, families, and support networks over the next year.

Transform Forth Valley’s Time 4 Us project will receive £25,954 to promote community-based harm prevention strategies. This funding will support efforts to reduce substance-related risks and enhance resilience among vulnerable youth in the area.

Barnardo’s Little Roots program has been allocated £13,504 over a three-year period from 2026 to 2028. This initiative focuses on providing early emotional support to young children, strengthening family wellbeing, and implementing protective measures to prevent mental health issues from escalating.

Additionally, Recycle-a-Bike will utilize £10,057 for its Beyond Four Walls project, which aims to enhance resilience and emotional regulation among young people through outdoor activities. This project emphasizes positive transitions and early intervention through partnerships with local schools.

Finally, Arts Included CIC will receive £3,690 for its Groove Grove Guitar Sessions, a six-week program designed to foster creativity and connection among participants while reducing barriers to mental health support.

Community-Centric Approach to Funding

This funding initiative is part of Clackmannanshire’s Transformation Space, a collaborative effort involving local authorities, social investors, and third-sector organizations. The model, which received backing from the Scottish Government’s Invest to Save Fund and the Clackmannanshire Council, represents a pioneering approach in Scotland, pooling resources into a flexible funding pot aimed at addressing youth mental health, homelessness, and poverty.

Councillor Ellen Forson, leader of Clackmannanshire Council, emphasized the importance of tailored solutions for local youth. “Supporting young people through mental health challenges is not an issue unique to Clackmannanshire,” she said. “However, the solutions offered by the Transformation Space’s Community Voice panel are specifically designed to meet the needs of young people in our community.”

Andy Hyde, participation lead with Foundation Scotland, highlighted the significance of community involvement in shaping these initiatives. “This funding round shows the strength of listening to communities and trusting local insight,” he stated. “These investments will help create stronger, more supportive environments for young people and families across Clackmannanshire.”

Through this funding, Clackmannanshire is taking significant steps towards addressing mental health challenges among its youth, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes long-term solutions.