PROJECTS across Greater Glasgow have been tackling the stigma associated with mental health after receiving £45k in funding.

The organisations - which included work with Greenock Morton Football Club and groups supporting disabled people - are helping to tackle preconceived ideas about mental health, as well as discrimination.

Creative Steps, the Glasgow Disability Alliance, Hwupenyu Project, Move On, PEEK Project, CREATE Paisley, Greenock Morton, Teapot Trust, and Youth Interventions all received grants of up to £5k – which were made available and managed by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s (NHSGGC) Healthy Minds Network.

The Fund was delivered in partnership with See Me, Scotland's programme to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination.

READ MORE: Full list of the 'council' houses being built in Glasgow where and when

Heather Sloan, health improvement lead (mental health) at NHSGGC, said: “While there’s been a lot of progress, there is still a lot of stigma surrounding mental ill-health.

“This can come from a lack of awareness and understanding of what mental health is. That’s why we developed this anti-stigma programme of work to try and address these issues – no one should feel ashamed or stigmatised because of poor mental health.

“We are proud to have been running this programme for over a decade now. We have had tremendous examples where local groups and organisations have come up with innovative and fun approaches to addressing the issue. Together, we’re working to end the stigma around mental health once and for all.”

Projects that were funded this year focused on addressing mental health stigma amongst children and young people, disabled people, and ethnic minority communities.

Glasgow Times:

Greenock Morton Community Trust provided mental health training for front-line staff and local clubs and developed an online wellbeing toolkit for staff, adults, parents, carers, and children and young people.

Meanwhile, the Glasgow Disability Alliance used its funding to conduct a "Disabled People's Mental Health Matters" research project. The findings have been included in a report that highlights their specific issues regarding mental health and barriers to accessing mental health support services.

Create Paisley allowed 12 young people to work with a professional artist to create a mural that explores and challenges mental health stigma.

Glasgow Times:

Wendy Halliday, See Me director, said: “Working with the Healthy Minds Network has really showcased the power of community when it comes to eradicating stigma.

“I’m truly inspired by the passion and creativity we have seen through all nine Anti-Stigma Fund projects, and I am sure that these groups and their incredible work will have a lasting impact on local people.

“Stigma and discrimination continue to be the biggest barriers people face when it comes to reaching out and asking for help with their mental health – and we can all play a part in putting an end to that as a part of the wider See Us movement.”

The 2022-2023 Anti-stigma Fund will be opening for applications next month. For more information, click here.