Stenhousemuir FC awarded Community Choices funding for mental health project

With applications for the next round of Community Choices open, we’re showcasing how one of the clubs benefited from funding through the initiative earlier this year. Pictured: Fiona Kennedy of Stenhousemuir FC

Stenhousemuir Football Club’s ‘world-leading’ mental health project has benefited to the tune of £1,500 thanks to Falkirk’s Community Choices fund,  which is run by Falkirk Council and Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership.

Working in partnership with national mental health charity Andy’s Man Club, the Warriors will run weekly drop in sessions specifically for men in the area who require support for their mental health.

The Community Choices funding will help train specialist tutors and support the needs of those who attend the weekly classes – with an annual event planned to help connect locals.

FIFA recognition

Commended by FIFA and the Scottish Football Association, Stenhousemuir’s mental health project works with occupational therapists to provide support, physical exercise and a social environment for people in the Forth Valley experiencing mental ill health.

As part of the club’s strategy to grow and develop their mental health programme, Andys Man Club will be the first step in building upon this.

Players and coaches travel across Scotland playing in the Mental Health & Wellbeing National League, and Stenhousemuir have already tasted Championship success in 2018 and 2019.

Community Choices

Part of the Council’s participatory budgeting efforts – where local communities have their say on how money is spent in their neighbourhoods – Community Choices is a fund of over £3 million to be invested in projects across the area.

Local residents are asked to vote on the ideas they want to make happen and for the projects to receive public funds to do it.

The Small Grants programme is for projects valued at £5,000 and under – while larger projects can apply to the Capital Grants fund.

Stenhousemuir FC’s Community Engagement & Inclusion Officer Fiona Kennedy said:

“Community Choices has helped us fund an important mental health initiative in the local area.

“The needs of our community are at the forefront of what we do, and we greatly appreciate the chance to access the public funds and for the community to vote for us.

“I’d encourage local groups to put forward their ideas and apply to the Community Choices Small Grants programme.”