We are delighted to announce that our Social Spark service has been awarded a further three years of funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Our Social Spark service helps tackle loneliness and isolation by building confidence and connections. This is done by offering a range of social and activity groups as well as short-term befriending.

This funding will allow us to develop the service we provide to the local community and will help us reach more people who are experiencing poor mental health. It will also give us the opportunity to look at expanding the groups we currently offer. Future plans include a mobile photography group, nature and mindfulness walks along with creative groups and the chance to achieve the John Muir Award with our new outdoor activity group.

Social Spark Manager, Michele Reap says:

“I am extremely grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund for their continued support for this invaluable service within the Falkirk area. We are excited by the prospect of being able to offer a more rounded range of groups to clients aged 16+”

We spoke to a client who has used our services over the last year:

“I really appreciate coming along to the group. I moved to Falkirk during lockdown, and it has been very difficult. I knew I needed to get out of the house and meet people and try to work on my anxiety.

The group has helped me a great deal. I have made new friends and new connections within the local community. The group has helped with my anxiety, and I am now able to get on a bus into the town where as before I would have to get a taxi due to my anxiety. I would recommend the Social Spark service and FDAMH to friends who may need some help with poor mental health.”