Glasgow Airport’s FlightPath Fund supports mental health project

Credit: Glasgow Airport (GLA), in partnership with Men Matter Scotland, providing help and projects to support mental health in men.

Glasgow Airport’s (GLA) FlightPath Fund has awarded £2,310 to help an allotment project in Drumchapel, Glasgow, take root.

The award was made to Men Matter Scotland – a charity which supports mental health, improve the quality of life, and expand and enrich the connections amongst local men in the area.

Following the allocation of an allotment space in the Drumchapel area, the charity applied to the FlightPath Fund for support in buying key equipment including a storage shed, polytunnel, gardening tools, and raised beds ahead of the growing season this spring.

Derek Anderson, a trustee from Men Matter Scotland commented: “We facilitate a range of activities that support positive mental, physical, and emotional health and well-being for men.

“We run weekly group sessions and activities where men can meet in a safe and friendly place, talk openly, be listened too and feel supported without judgement in a confidential setting amongst peers.

“We have around 30 members keen to work and spend time in the allotment following its allocation. It will give members, many of whom have presented with mental-health challenges, something to focus on, look after and take pride in.

“As well as the growing and gardening aspect of the allotment, it will also be a place of support and nurture for our members. We are very grateful to the FlightPath Fund for providing this much-needed support.”

More than £90,000 is being made available by the FlightPath in 2022 and the Fund’s Committee is continuing to urge neighbouring groups and organisations to submit applications.

The FlightPath Fund’s Committee is keen to hear from and support sustainability-themed projects aimed at improving the environment in the communities local to the airport.

Drumchapel Councillor, Malcolm Balfour, who sits on the FlightPath Fund Committee added: “Men Matter Scotland is a fantastic charity and I know the local team well. The introduction of the allotment will be of fantastic benefit and a real asset to the local community in Drumchapel.

“Well-being and mental health support has never been more in need than it has following the last two years, so the committee was only too happy to support this worthwhile project.”

The FlightPath Fund’s committee, which includes elected representatives from each of the four local authority areas, meets on regularly throughout the year to consider all applications made and to allocate any agreed financial support.