Moray awarded nearly £1m to promote better mental health

Moray has been awarded just under £1million in funding over the next five in order to promote better mental health.

The money, secured by a group called Collaboration for Mental Wealth in Moray, will be used to promote research and to combat the stigma that still exists around the issue.

Heidi Tweedie, a leading light in the group, said: “The Collaboration for Mental Wealth in Moray aims to make an impact globally at a time when policymakers are focusing on mental health as a challenge, rather than using community-owned knowledge to effect meaningful change.

“We are delighted to have gained funding to support a community research network in Moray.

“We’re striving to ensure community voices are heard in deciding how local change happens – and in a way that benefits ourselves and those we care about.

“The partnership approach gives an opportunity for lived and living experiences to be heard through research and collaboration.

“It is powerful not just at the local level, but nationally too, and we look forward to working with our fellow research networks from across the UK in making a meaningful difference in how research is delivered and accessed for all to benefit from.”

The funding has come from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), a public body connected to the UK government.

Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, its chief executive, said: “We strongly believe that research and innovation should be by everyone, for everyone, everywhere.

“We are putting money into the hands of communities to tackle the issues that matter most to them.”

The programme will be delivered by The Young Foundation, a non-profit organisation that specialises in community research and social innovation.

Helen Goulden OBE, CEO at The Young Foundation, said: “We know that local communities and citizens understand local needs best, and are fundamental to tackling complex societal issues.

“The insights gained from Collaboration for Mental Wealth in Moray and other local research networks will be vital if we are to work together to tackle some of the persistent and entrenched challenges we face.”

Collaboration for Mental Wealth in Moray is one of nine community research projects across the UK that has received funding.

Other grantees include a network addressing rural challenges in Durham, and a group researching economic inequality in Belfast communities.