Mental health groups across Scotland to benefit from funding

A total of £320,000 will be made available from the Bank of Scotland Foundation to mental health charities from Monday as Mental Health Awareness Week begins.

Groups can apply for grants of between £1,000 and £25,000 which will be awarded for one year.

Funding will be made available to mental health charities and other charities delivering mental health projects across Scotland.

Philip Grant, chairman of the Bank of Scotland Foundation's board of trustees, said: 'We are delighted to launch our Mental Health Fund to help improve the quality of life of people experiencing mental health conditions.

'As anyone can be affected and there can also be an impact on the lives of others, including family and friends, our new fund will vitally allow people across Scotland to benefit from a variety of much-needed local services and personal support.'

Maureen Watt, Minister for Mental Health, added: 'Mental health affects all of us and the Scottish Government wants mental health to be something everybody talks about.

'Bank of Scotland Foundation's new fund is a great example of one of Scotland's prominent funders showing their commitment to helping improve mental health and access to support.'

Applications can be made via the Bank of Scotland Foundation website before 12 noon on Friday July 6.