FDAMH are proud to share our new Vision and Values which will help guide how we make decisions, align us as we grow and diversify and reflect who we are, not just what we do.

Conversations around mental health have grown in recent years. However, many people still face challenges when trying to access the right support at the right time. We recognise that mental health needs are changing. Support is not only needed in times of distress, it is also required earlier to prevent potential escalation and enable people to manage their wellbeing as part of everyday life.

As a result, we have taken time to reflect on how we work, listen to our communities and consider how we can better meet these needs.

This launch of our new Vision and Values marks an important step forward.

Our new values enables us to focus on accessible support, early intervention and services shaped around the needs of the people we support. This is not just a visual change; it reflects how we will continue to develop and deliver our work in the Falkirk & District communities going forward.

Together, we can be a light in a dark place.

Watch our Brand Film which shares the story of who FDAMH are and our Vision and Values: A New Chapter for FDAMH

A new Breathing Space bench has been unveiled at FDAMH (Falkirk & District Association for Mental Health), which encourages people to sit, reflect and have meaningful conversations about mental health and wellbeing. The Bench was officially unveiled by FDAMH patron Dennis Canavan during a special gathering at the company’s office, celebrating support for the local community.   

Part of a Scotland-wide initiative, the Breathing Space benches are physical symbols of hope and support — encouraging people to take a moment to pause, reflect, or talk to someone. Since the first installation in 2018, over 60 benches have been placed in public spaces across Scotland, including parks, universities, housing developments, and transport hubs.

The new bench at FDAMH marks a meaningful addition to this growing initiative— reinforcing the charity’s mission to provide compassionate, community-based support for mental health and wellbeing in the Falkirk district.

The benches also serve as visible reminders of NHS 24’s Breathing Space service, which offers free, confidential phone and web chat support to anyone in Scotland aged 16 or over experiencing low mood, anxiety, or depression.

The initiative is delivered through strong partnerships between Breathing Space and local organisations like FDAMH, who work together to identify impactful locations where the benches can benefit the community most.

Ian Dickson, CEO for FDAMH said:

“At FDAMH, we believe in creating spaces that promote emotional wellbeing and community connection. This Breathing Space bench complements our mission to support people in every step of their mental health journey. Whether someone needs a moment of peace or a place to talk, we hope this bench serves as a gentle invitation to take that time.”

Tony McLaren, National Coordinator for NHS 24’s Breathing Space service, said:

“We are proud to support FDAMH in unveiling this new ‘Take Some Breathing Space’ bench. These benches are more than just a place to sit. They are a visible invitation to pause, reflect, and connect. By creating welcoming spaces in our communities, we hope to encourage open conversations about mental health and remind people that support is always available. Breathing Space remains committed to offering compassionate advice and a listening ear to anyone in need.”

Supporting FDAMH means helping to change lives across our community. Every pound raised helps us continue delivering vital mental health services, reaching those who need support most.

Whether you’re an individual, a group of friends, or part of a workplace, there are countless ways you can get involved. Fundraising is not only about raising money, it’s about building awareness, reducing stigma, and bringing people together to help us ensure no one faces mental health challenges alone.

Get Inspired: Fundraising Ideas

Take on a Challenge

Push yourself while supporting a great cause. From sponsored walks and runs to cycling challenges or “30 days of wellbeing,” personal challenges are a fantastic way to raise funds and awareness. Share your journey with friends and family to maximise your impact.

Host a Virtual Event

Bring people together online with a virtual quiz, workshop, or live-streamed event. Virtual fundraisers are flexible, inclusive, and a great way to involve supporters from anywhere.

Fundraise at Work

Get your colleagues involved through workplace fundraising. Popular ideas include dress-down days, bake sales, raffles, or team challenges. Many employers also offer matched giving, doubling the impact of your efforts.

Organise a Coffee Morning

A simple but effective way to raise funds. Invite friends, family, or colleagues for tea, coffee, and conversation, while supporting FDAMH through donations or small entry fees.

Use Your Talents

Turn your skills into fundraising opportunities. Whether it’s art, music, fitness, or baking, hosting an event or selling your creations can be a fun and meaningful way to contribute.

Start a Social Media Fundraiser

Use your online platforms to spread the word. Birthday fundraisers, challenge videos, or sharing your personal story can inspire others to donate and support FDAMH.

Plan a Seasonal Event

Seasonal activities like summer fairs, winter raffles, or festive markets are a great way to engage your community and attract new supporters.

Why Your Support Matters

Every fundraising effort (big or small) helps FDAMH continue its essential work. Your support allows us to:

• Provide life-changing mental health services
• Reach more individuals who are experiencing mental health challenges
• Raise awareness and reduce stigma in our communities

Together, we can create a stronger, more supportive future for everyone.

Ready to Get Started?

Fundraising for FDAMH is simple, rewarding, and makes a real difference. Choose an idea that suits you, set your goal, and bring people together to support mental health.

Download our Fundraising Pack to get started! 

After a successful year of John Muir from the pilot in February, we end 2023 with some great news for both John Muir Group 1 and FDAMH!

The group members who have successfully completed their Level 3 Awards have taken on an important campaign advocating for the connection between growing sustainable food, spending time outdoors, and mental health recovery. Their goal is to provide their local community with the necessary knowledge, tools, and resources to overcome barriers to growing nutritious food. 

The group have shown immense dedication to supporting their community. They hope to address local issues such as health inequalities, access to affordable produce, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, they are working with Falkirk Council’s Community Growing team to transform a disused plot of land into a community garden. This garden will act as a safe space for individuals affected by mental health issues and social isolation, providing them with an opportunity to learn and grow.

But that’s not all… thanks to all their hard work this year the group has been chosen to represent Scotland in ‘The Europe Challenge – Libraries, Communities and Democracy’!

The Europe Challenge is an annual programme that brings together libraries and communities across Europe to address pressing challenges in their local areas. The programme was first launched in 2020 by the European Cultural Foundation and partners. The Europe Challenge, is supported by Fondazione Cariplo, the Scottish Library and Information Council and by public funding through Arts Council England.

This group have worked their socks off to achieve their John Muir Awards and have made so much progress in many respects this year, it’s amazing to see their hard work being recognised on a local and European level! I’m sure everyone will join us in congratulating the group and wishing them the best of luck through their challenge and award.

Thanks again to our partners Sustainable Thinking Scotland, Darroch Nurseries, Falkirk Council and all our supporters and volunteers, we couldn’t make the magic happen without you.

• Call us on 01324 671600
• Or email our Administration Coordinator, Lisa Alexander, at lisa.alexander@fdamh.org.uk

Are you looking to boost mental health awareness in your workplace? Look no further than our Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid Training.

Counselling is a trusted talking therapy. Our short-term counselling offers you a supportive space to talk openly about past and present issues. 

FDAMH offers three types of therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-centred therapy, and Psychodynamic therapy. We also ensure that we have counsellors from different approaches so people can work in a style of counselling that suits them. 

We provide support by telephone, online and in person, as well as evening sessions, to make the service as accessible as possible. 

❝ My counselling has turned my past experience round and I am now in a much healthier place.  The experience was scary at first, but my counsellor quickly made me feel at ease and allowed me to explore things I have never been able to talk about. ❞

Get in touch

If you or anyone you know is struggling right now, you can refer yourself or someone else through the website. You can also call us on 01324 671600 to speak with a member of the team.

Our Bereaved by Suicide Support Group is a self-help group which, together with group facilitators and counsellors, offers the opportunity to speak & listen in a safe space and share mutual support and understanding. The group exists to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a relative or close friend.

The aim is to provide a safe, confidential environment in which bereaved people can share their experiences and feelings, so giving and gaining support from each other.

❝ I took a lot of comfort hearing other people’s stories however hard that was, and it’s nice to feel that I’m not alone in how I feel.❞

Get in touch

To find out how you can join this group, please contact admin@fdamh.org.uk or call us on 01324 671600.