Glaswegians are being urged to help tackle mental health stigma and discrimination through art, with applications now open for funding into projects.
The Anti-Stigma Arts Fund – operated by See Me, Scotland’s programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination - has opened for the second year. Applications are being accepted for individuals, groups and organisations.
Launched in 2021, the project received applications from a range of organisations and individuals across Scotland, with six projects successfully funded. For the 2022 fund, proposals are welcome from individuals, groups, or organisation.
READ MORE: Glasgow woman who had 'blizzard of dark thoughts' during perimenopause hoping to help others
Art projects in any medium that aim to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination are encouraged. Grants of between £500 and £5,000 are available.
Last year’s projects involved young people, members of a community affected by suicide, people with experience of severe, complex and enduring mental health problems, transgender and non-binary people and Chinese students, exploring how the different groups experience mental health stigma.
The artwork produced included four films, a leaflet, a wellbeing pack and a comic book, a community questionnaire, a youth questionnaire, and a programme of therapeutic arts. The sixth project, working with Gypsy/Travellers, is now underway following pandemic-related delays.
Maeve Grindall, project officer for communities and priority groups at See Me, said: “Our first year of funding showed us the power of the arts and how creativity can tackle mental health stigma and discrimination.
“The groups involved were innovative and produced inspiring pieces that opened up the conversation on stigma, especially across a different range of communities and audiences.
“We’re excited to see what projects and ideas might come from our second year of funding, and placing a real emphasis on projects which aim to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination in the communities where it is most prevalent.”
The deadline to apply for the 2022 fund is midnight on Sunday, November 6.
See Me is particularly keen to welcome applications from traditionally marginalised groups that might experience worse mental health outcomes. Partnership working between organisations and creative practitioners is encouraged for these projects and you must be able to demonstrate in your application that you possess or can access the necessary skills to take the project forward. Projects must involve people with lived experience of mental health problems.
More information on the application process and the 2021 projects can be found on the See Me website.
READ NEXT:
Concern grows for West Dunbartonshire residents struggling with mental health
Fears 'Glasgow Effect' mortality rate could worsen in impact of last few years
Thug brutally attacked his lover who tried to stop him driving after drunken argument
Tributes pour in to young Glasgow chef after his sudden death
Lanarkshire pub with its own three bedroom flat up for auction for £50,000
