FIRST MINISTER REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Fulton MacGregor MSP marked Mental Health Awareness week by highlighting the crucial role physical activity and sport play in maintaining and improving our mental wellbeing, following the announcement of new Scottish Government investment in the Changing Room programme.
During First Minister’s Questions, the MSP asked what more the Scottish Government is doing to support efforts to improve mental health and resilience. John Swinney responded by highlighting the £66 million provided to community projects since 2021 – helping 300,000 people in its first year alone – and the £65 million provided to local authorities for community support projects since 2020.
The Changing Room programme – which uses football to promote mental health and wellbeing – echoes with this week’s theme of “Movement: moving more for our mental health” and the new funding will allow their services to grow.
Commenting, Fulton MacGregor MSP said:
“Initiatives like the Changing Room programme are making an enormous difference to folk across Scotland, providing a safe space for people to open up.
“Through this additional investment, the SNP Scottish Government is building on its long track-record of investing in mental wellbeing – with this project alone receiving £400,000 of government investment since 2021.
“Our mental and physical wellbeing go hand-in-hand, and I am pleased that the Scottish Government will continue to do everything it can to support efforts like this and bolster support for those who are struggling.”
Fulton MacGregor 