MORE than 50 organisations supporting mental health throughout North Ayrshire will receive their share of £506,982 - thanks to Scottish Government funding.

The 55 third sector, community, and grassroots organisations will be awarded the cash as part of the Government’s Communities Mental Health and Well Being Fund, The Green Health Partnership, Children, the Young People & Families Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund, and local statutory contributions.

With the awards announced on January 16 or ‘Blue Monday’ – the alleged most depressing day of the year – the funding hopes to “assist in delivering local solutions” to mental health issues.

Senior Manager at North Ayrshire Council, Lesley Forsyth, said: “The challenges relating to mental health and wellbeing as a result of peoples lived experiences over the last few years is immense.

“The awards being made via this funding highlights the wide range of innovative and creative ideas that local communities have developed to assist in delivering local solutions.

“It’s truly amazing to see the diverse range of community groups and their different approaches come together in this way - all with the aim of addressing the important issue of caring for our mental health.”

North Ayrshire groups who received funding had to apply via the Arran Community and Voluntary Service (CVS), or partners in the Third Sector Interface North Ayrshire (TSI) with The Ayrshire Community Trust.

Applications were then reviewed by a “multi-agency award panel” over a 12-week period.

North Ayrshire Council alongside the area’s Health and Social Care Partnership managed to secure additional funding for the groups after 102 organisations – a higher number than expected – applied for an award.

Arran CVS Chief Officer, Vicki Yuill, said: “Driven by locally recognised and developed solutions, will continue to create impact, enhance, and improve support where it is needed most.

“The collaboration from statutory partners has been incredible and they are keen to engage further with organisations on the array of funded activities to be delivered.

“The TSI are also keen to assist and work with those not successful on this occasion, to source other funding opportunities where feasible.”

The awards are now in their second year with plans to continue the scheme for 2024.