VAO is delighted to act as the funding lead partner for Orkney working collaboratively with other local partners to effectively distribute the Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund to small, grass roots, community groups and organisations.
The purpose of the Fund is to support community-based initiatives that promote and develop good mental health and wellbeing and mitigate and protect against the impact of distress and mental ill health within the adult population.
Over the coming weeks the Scottish Government will provide further guidance relating to the parameters of the funds eligibility criteria to inform the application process. VAO will open applications to the Fund by 30 November 2021, however we hope to be in position to be able to launch the Fund earlier than this date as we understand that there is significant need for the funding across Orkney.
VAO will host online funding information sessions for community-based groups and organisations to give an overview of the fund, the eligibility criteria, and the application process and one-to-one advice sessions will also be available with our development team. Information will also be provided on the VAO website.
VAO will announce when the fund is open to applications via VAO newsletters, the local press and through our digital channels.
