Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, is to present a cheque of £9328 to Scotland All-Strong, a Perth-based not-for-profit fitness studio.
The cheque, from the National Lottery Community Fund, will go towards Scotland All Strong’s “Fitness to Feel Better” project, which provides personal training to those with mental health issues.
Mr Swinney will meet with carers currently training at the fitness studio and benefitting from Scotland All-Strong’s training programmes. He will also meet with Andy and Jess Douglas, the married couple behind the organisation.
Commenting, Mr Swinney said:
“I was delighted to hear that Scotland All-Strong have received such a sizeable award from the National Lottery Community Fund.
Andy and Jess are passionate about improving the well-being of those across Perthshire. They have correctly recognised that there is a clear link between physical exercise and improved mental health, and I am sure that they will put this funding to good use.
“I am pleased that their hard work is being rewarded, and I look forward to witnessing the transformative impact that their programme will have on the lives of service users.”
Andy Douglas, Director and Instructor at Scotland All-Strong said:
“Thanks to National Lottery Players and the Community Fund, Awards for All, Scotland All-Strong will be able to deliver subsidised places on our 'Fitness to Feel Better,' referrals programme for common mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, chronic stress and low mood."
"By bringing together multiple tools of recovery, self-management and prevention, including physical activity, relaxation techniques, and peer support, Scotland All-Strong's innovative approach combined with their unique set-up will help many in the local community get started in exercise and wellness. This will ultimately empower them with the ability and knowledge to take more control of their own mental and physical health and overall wellbeing in the longer term."
Neil Ritch, The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland Director, added:
“The New Year is traditionally a time when people are most likely to set themselves health related goals.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, All Strong Scotland will be able to help many people in Perth to achieve these goals by providing them with the tools to manage their mental health and wellbeing.
“As well as introducing people to physical exercise, the project is a great way of bringing people together to sustain physical activity through peer support.”
