The Glasgow Wellbeing Fund in action
The Glasgow Wellbeing Fund supports community groups and voluntary organisations in Glasgow. Funded by the Scottish Government, GCVS manage the fund to support adult wellbeing projects around the city. We have seen many fantastic examples in that time – here are just a few!
How the Fund Supports Community Wellbeing
Menself+
Improving the health and wellbeing of men and women in Scotland
Menself told us that the support of the Glasgow Wellbeing Fund helps them to offer activities and support every day of the week with the help of their brilliant volunteers. Participants say they feel more connected within their community, their social networks have expanded, and they are creating new friendships. Levels of isolation and loneliness have decreased, whilst many participants see a boost in confidence to take on lead roles in volunteering.
“I now come to the men’s group twice a week, and without it, I would be back to my old self, lost and depressed. The banter is great as it makes me laugh and forget my woes for a few hours, but more than that, my two daughters have seen a real difference in my mood and appearance. I now freely talk about my wife, I lost her two years ago, which I could never have done six months ago, and this setting has helped me to do that. It is just great to feel kind of normal again and I’m now dealing with the grief in a more positive way.”
Me, Myself and I
Supporting and empowering women from Asian communities in Glasgow
Me, Myself and I received support through the Glasgow Wellbeing Fund to run their ‘Inclusive Harmony’ project. Utilising mindfulness activities, such as meditation, dance, and games, to help manage stress while promoting physical mobility and overall well-being. This initiative fosters a safe and supportive environment for Asian women to connect, share experiences, and develop emotional resilience. They told us:
“The Inclusive Harmony project is a transformative initiative dedicated to fostering emotional resilience and social connection among Asian women. In addition to wellbeing support, the programme offers educational opportunities focused on women’s rights and digital inclusion, equipping participants with vital skills and confidence. By providing a safe, inclusive space for personal growth and empowerment, Inclusive Harmony strengthens community bonds and celebrates diversity, making a lasting impact on the lives of those involved.“
Proud Futures
Helping organisations create cultures where LGBTQ+ people can thrive
“The Glasgow Wellbeing Fund has been essential in our work supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Glasgow. It enabled us to run a program called ‘Befriending Your Anxiety,’ which provided participants with tools to manage their anxiety while also fostering community and connection. We have also successfully hosted several creative wellbeing sessions, allowing individuals to come together, learn valuable wellbeing techniques, and engage in creative activities.”
Being Mixed is an organisation that helps mixed folk to come together by hosting potlucks, workshops and other events and activities.
“With the rising costs of just about everything, social connection feels hard to come by, and feelings of isolation are increasingly common. We hope that Being Mixed’s free and inclusive spaces are a small but important counter to that. Thanks to the Wellbeing Fund, we are able to continue and expand our offerings, fostering community and connectedness for mixed adults in and around the city.
The funding will be used to sustain and develop our offerings, creating more and better events and activities for all the lovely mixed folk in Glasgow!! Better access, better inclusion, more fun.”
Indepen-dance is an inclusive dance company for disabled and non-disabled people to enjoy, express, and fulfil their potential through dance. They applied for support from the Glasgow Wellbeing Fund to continue one of their most popular activities – Extravaganza!
“Glasgow’s Wellbeing Fund has been contributing to the running of Saturday morning Extravaganza events, which run once a month.
These events begin with a movement session where participants ‘Wake Up With Wils’, led by experienced teacher Wils. People can join in at the venue and from home online. After an energising start to the day, sessions in Lego Play and Creative Journaling begin.
There is also much-needed space for parents and carers to chat, relax and socialise with others over a cup of tea.”
Concrete Garden, North Glasgow
“The Concrete Garden are delighted to have the support of the Wellbeing Fund for our project this year. Community gardens are such important spaces where people can connect with one another and the natural world, which can have huge benefits for wellbeing in so many ways. “
“ It makes such a difference- I always feel so much better once I get out and up to the garden”.
“I look forward to coming every week- it’s a joy to work with everybody. Everybody is very helpful and I don’t know what I’d do without them!”
“It’s made a huge difference to my health – I feel stronger, don’t know how to explain it!”
Next for The Glasgow Wellbeing Fund
Find the latest information on the fund using the link below and in our newsletter and social media. Follow @GlasgowCVS on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, X, and BlueSky.
GCVS has facilitated the local implementation of the Scottish Government’s Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, since 2021.
Our partners include: Glasgow City HSCP, Glasgow City Council, Volunteer Glasgow, Glasgow Social Enterprise Network, Glasgow Life, Mental Health Network Greater Glasgow, Glasgow Kelvin College, Wise Women.
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Read about the projects who were successful in our blog ‘Fund supports 193 projects in Year 4‘
Thanks to Open Aye for our header photo provided by their Wellbeing of the Woods participants.