Glasgow has high levels of deprivation and higher rates of mental illness than the rest of Scotland (14.4% vs. 11.3%). Mental illness can lead to job loss, poverty, and withdrawal from society. Unemployment and poverty can exacerbate mental illness. At Common Wheel we aim to break this cycle. Many with mental illness face significant barriers to accessing mainstream opportunities and are at high risk of social isolation, which can further perpetuate poor mental health and socioeconomic hardship.

We aim to support people managing or recovering from mental illness by providing meaningful activities. Waiting lists for mental health services are increasing, so we are seeking funding to increase our activities and ease the pressure on these. Our visual arts project offers a creative, inclusive space for self-expression. In a non-judgmental setting, we remove barriers to participation, enhancing well-being, developing skills, and empowering participants to reconnect with their community.