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Community-Centric Solutions: Social Enterprises for Mental Well-Being

With recent reports from the 2022 Census showing a sharp rise in those living with mental health conditions (especially young people) and access to mental health services a struggle for many, Firstport remain committed to supporting social enterprises with funding and guidance to directly address the challenges of most in need.
Ray Banks, Programme Manager

It is only fitting that on World Mental Health Day we highlight some social entrepreneurs supported by Firstport who are making a significant impact in promoting mental well-being within their communities. Each of these ventures addresses unique mental health challenges through innovative solutions

Kin collective

Depression and anxiety are often overlooked during pregnancy and the postpartum period [NICE, 2020]. In fact, approximately 12% of women experience depression and anxiety during pregnancy, and this rate rises to 20% within the first year after giving birth.

Kin Collective, a family well-being hub based in Edinburgh, was established in 2020 with the aim of combating parental isolation and loneliness. Founded by Kathryn Lawrence, a mother of two who has personal experience with perinatal mental health, Kin Collective was inspired by the need for community-based support and resources for families.

To learn more about the journey of Kin Collective and the role Firstport played in its development, please click here.

Highland Yoga Collective

There are hundreds of studies that show the role of of meditation and yoga in significantly reducing stress and anxiety levels. This is not surprising, as the NHS website frequently promotes meditation as a valuable tool for improving mental wellbeing.

Pic Credit: Highland Yoga Collective

Against this backdrop of compelling evidence, Highland Yoga Collective CIC emerged in 2021 in Nairn. This social enterprise harnesses the proven benefits of yoga, mindfulness, and meditation to promote mental wellbeing within their community. The studio specifically targets stress reduction and depression management through accessible, inclusive programming.

They actively break down barriers to wellness by offering free classes to minority groups, including refugees, disabled individuals (through chair yoga), and LGBTQ+ community members and allies.

Their hybrid approach of online and in-person sessions ensures that these vital mental health resources remain accessible to all, regardless of physical location or mobility constraints. Want to give it a try? Then book your classes by clicking here.

Adelphe

Adelphe Community breaks down barriers and opens doors for marginalised and ethnic minority individuals through various support services, and one of them is providing Mental Health Support Services.  This intervention helps to manage stress, anxiety, and other difficulties through access to resources, counselling, and peer support. The organisation is dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health in minority communities. It is worth noting that from April 2021 to March 2024, 28% of the Social Entrepreneur Fund applicants  came from a minority ethnic background, as compared to 12.9% of the total Scottish population, according to the 2022 census.

Kirstie Penman, Head of Programmes at Firstport explains this as ‘our intentionally designed support system making it accessible to individuals with different needs…. and from diverse backgrounds.’

So far, Adelphe has done an incredible job empowering African and ethnic minority women through community support and education and their strong community shows the perseverance and consistency of theiri efforts. To be part of this strong cohort, click here.  

Befriend Community

The award-winning Befriend Community  supports socially isolated and lonely individuals over 65, helping them connect and improve their mental health and well-being through friendship and companionship. With over one million people—around one-fifth of the population—aged 65 and above, Scotland’s ageing population faces a higher risk of depression.

The organisation offers befriending services, where trained volunteers meet with older adults for a friendly chat, often over a cup of coffee. Their motto, ‘Helping people live fuller, happier lives by reducing loneliness for those over 65,’ has guided their efforts since their establishment in 2017. To date, they have supported more than 310 beneficiaries, and over the next three years, they aim to assist 280 more individuals with tailored in-person befriending services.

If you live near Glasgow, you can volunteer and make a difference with just a few minutes of conversation. Visit their website to find out more.

Abandoned Arts

According to the World Mental Health Report 2024, due to extreme exposure to violence and trauma, most migrants experience  mental health issues like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Alena Rogozhkina, a Ukraine-born/Scotland-based visual artist, founded Abandoned Artists CIC in 2023 to address this pressing issue.

Pic Credit: Alena Rogozhkina

The organisation promote social change among conflict-affected individuals in the UK through various interventions, including mentorship programs, talent agency representation, and participatory creative workshops.

Through a supportive environment and opportunities for creative expression, they help displaced artists feel more accepted into the broader refugee community and work towards healing from the trauma they’ve experienced.

To explore more of their artworks and their impact, visit their webpage.

Looking forward….

These social enterprises showcase how innovative approaches can foster mental well-being across diverse communities, each tailored to meet the specific needs of their target groups. With the support of Firstport, these ventures are not only addressing pressing mental health challenges but also build a sense of connection and resilience among individuals in Scotland.

Visit our start-up page to learn more about how Firstport can support your social enterprise journey.