Mental health / peer support
Peer support that is warm and useful — without pretending to be a clinical service.
A facilitated peer circle or signposting network with training, limits, and crisis pathways.
People who want company and understanding while they use (or wait for) formal services.
Safeguarding: Partner and train before you go public. You are not a clinical service. Read every safety line below before advertising anything involving young people or mental health.
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Step-by-step plan
Follow the phases in order. Finish one before expanding.
Do not start alone
Find an organisation that already does this well. Offer venue, outreach, or co-facilitation.
Peer support / mental health first aid as appropriate. Document it.
Published on every flyer: what this is and is not.
Pilot circle
Small group, fixed weeks, evaluate before growing.
What felt heavy, who needs follow-up signposting.
Kit & materials
Not “just anyone kind” — basic peer support training
Private enough, accessible, predictable
NHS24, emergency services, local crisis lines
Confidentiality, no diagnosis, no advice as gospel
Established mental health charity or health project
Council & institutional help
Ask what peer support already exists. Duplicate and untrained groups can cause harm.
Partner for training, supervision, and referral routes.
Safety & non‑negotiables
- You are not a therapist — say so every session
- Clear crisis escalation; never leave someone in acute risk without a plan
- Facilitator supervision/support to avoid burnout
- Confidentiality limits when safety is at risk
Common mistakes
- Untrained “therapy” circles
- No crisis plan
- Confidentiality treated as absolute even in emergency
- Facilitator with no support themselves
Funding that fits this action
Only after partnership and training are real · Health-related community grants · National mental health funds when open · Tap a card to open the funder website.
Glasgow Communities Fund
Community organisations delivering local outcomes
Who: Eligible third-sector / community bodies
Size: Varies by stream (multi-year programme when open)
Deadline: Published application windows
Tips: Align to published priorities; evidence need with ward data. Check whether the current round is open.
Common fails: Weak monitoring plan; duplication without partnership.
Glasgow Communities Fund (GCC) →
Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund
Community mental health & wellbeing activity
Who: Community groups via local TSI interfaces
Size: Typically small–medium grants
Deadline: Locally administered rounds
Tips: Partnership with existing support; trauma-informed approach. Search Funding Scotland for the current Glasgow round.
Common fails: Clinical claims beyond group capacity.
Search Funding Scotland (Glasgow wellbeing) →
National Lottery Awards for All Scotland
People-led community projects
Who: Voluntary/community organisations
Size: Up to £20,000 (check current rules)
Deadline: Rolling
Tips: Plain language; clear beneficiaries; realistic budget.
Common fails: Retrospective costs; vague outcomes.
Apply — Awards for All Scotland →
Downloadable templates for this action
Open in any text editor or spreadsheet. Fill in the brackets — then send or print.