£3M Boost for Adult Wellbeing Support

13th January 2026

Additional support for wellbeing in Glasgow

First Minister John Swinney announced that an additional £3 million will be allocated to the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for adults in Year 5.

Known locally as the Glasgow Wellbeing Fund, this programme provides small grants to community groups that deliver activities which reduce social isolation, loneliness, and mental health inequalities. GCVS, which manages the fund in Glasgow, received 354 applications in 2025 and aims to allocate 60-80% of the fund over a two-year period as part of the Scottish Government’s Fairer Funding Pilot.

As part of the national uplift, Glasgow will receive an extra £351,649 from the Scottish Government.

Read the full Scottish Government announcement.

Maximising investment for Glasgow’s communities

GCVS and the fund’s partnership group in Glasgow will carefully consider how this additional investment can deliver the greatest benefit to people and communities across the city. Our monitoring process of activities already funded, reminds us how important this fund is for people, and how powerful its impact is in driving thoughtful, creative, and compassionate community support.

Applicants in the latest round are expected to receive their decisions in February, with funds received in March. This announcement will not affect that.

The impact on wellbeing in the community

To see the fund’s impact first-hand, Willowacre Trust – part of West of Scotland Housing Association – invited us to hear how the Glasgow Wellbeing Fund is helping them run activities from their community flat, hub and gardens in Cowlairs in the north east of the city.

The Trust offers regular wellbeing groups that provide social connection and help reduce isolation among local residents.

Tackling isolation and loneliness

Staff and service users at Cowlairs Community Flat welcomed the Scottish Government team and GCVS to share their experiences. Many spoke about the comfort of simply having a place to go – somewhere warm, friendly and familiar – where they could meet others, chat, and feel part of the community. Community Champion Janice, told us:

“Loneliness is a horrible, horrible thing. But to get up on a Wednesday and go like that ‘Oh, it’s bingo today’, get their-self ready, come down, get their wee cup of tea... Great to mix with people that you don’t normally see ’cause you’re always in the house”.

“Thanks to the Scottish Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, we’ve been able to deliver a diverse programme of groups and courses based at the Community Flat that support mental wellbeing while bringing our neighbourhood together through creativity, learning, conversation, and social connection”.

Linda Allan, Community Support Services Manager at Willowacre Trust

During the visit, Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said:

“It was a pleasure to meet everyone at the Cowlairs Community Flat + Garden and join in the festive activities. There is no more important time than the holiday season to focus on our mental wellbeing, and this visit highlighted just how vital community mental health is to support a healthy, connected society.

I was inspired by the energy, creativity, and warmth of everyone involved, and I look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of this hub in the community.”

close up on women laughing around the table

Tom Arthur Wellbeing minister smiling beside others at the Willowacre Community Flat

Sheena Arthur, GCVS Head of Policy and Engagement, said:

“We’re heartened by the news of additional funding for Glasgow. At a time when our sector continues to face immense pressure – rising costs and ever‑growing demand – this support is much needed.

As in previous years, the standard of applications received has been high, with more demand than funds to distribute, even with this additional boost.

GCVS will work with our partners to ensure the funds have the greatest possible impact. We look forward to sharing more details very soon.”

Stay informed about the Glasgow Wellbeing Fund

Future updates on the Glasgow Wellbeing Fund will be shared on our project page and in our newsletter.

Since 2021, the Glasgow Wellbeing Fund has been coordinated by GCVS with help from partners including Volunteer Glasgow, Glasgow Social Enterprise Network, Glasgow City HSCP, Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life, Mental Health Network Greater Glasgow, Glasgow Kelvin College and Wise Women.

Read more about the announcement from the Scottish Government on their website: https://www.gov.scot/news/improving-communities-mental-wellbeing