Open Mental Health Community Grants (UK)

Deadline: 12-May-23

The Open Mental Health is seeking applications for its Community Grants Programme which focuses on improving the mental health and wellbeing of people living in Somerset.

They are looking to expand the provision of support in Somerset by inviting local organisations to apply for grants up to £10,000.

Funding Information

• You can apply for grants between £5,000 to £10,000 for projects completed by 31st March 2024.

What they will fund?

They want to fund projects that demonstrate they can have a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people in Somerset, and meet the ambitions of the Open Mental Health Alliance:

• Develop and expand mental health provision in Somerset
• Demonstrate a positive impact on mental wellbeing
• Encourage partnership and collaborative working

Project Types

• Preventative support, funding considered: This might include: gardening for wellbeing, befriending, social groups with a focus on mental health and reducing isolation, theatre classes exploring trauma, wellbeing-specific activities. We recognise the need to invest in mental health prevention and early intervention; groups/activities like this can be a lifeline for many people and funding will be considered.
• Moderate-severe mental health, target funding: This might include: suicide prevention support, hearing voices groups, counselling, employment and activities that support people with enduring mental health needs. Projects targeted at this group will be prioritised if they fit the criteria as the focus for Open Mental Health is clients with serious mental illness.
• You can apply for a grant to cover capital and revenue costs, but we will only fund costs which are involved in the direct delivery of a project or activity.

Eligibility Criteria

Priority will be given for any project working with the following  groups of people at risk:

• Adults who experience poor mental health and well-being and/or mental health conditions.
• Vulnerable adults or elderly, including risk of isolation/loneliness.
• People with co-existing substance use.
• People with co-existing neurodevelopmental disorders.
• People who self-harm.
• People experiencing trauma personality disorder and related needs.
• People with eating disorders.

The Primary bidder must be a voluntary sector organisation (such as a charity, CIC, unincorporated group, or social enterprise).

Successful applications will meet the following:

• Your project must be based in Somerset. The areas covered are: Mendip, Sedgemoor, South Somerset and Somerset West and Taunton. Unfortunately, projects based predominantly in BANES or North Somerset are not eligible.
  • It should be aimed at adults over the age of 18 years.
  • You must ensure that co-production is central to project design and delivery.
  • Demonstrate how your project supports any of the key priorities
  • The project must start within 2 months of receiving funding and delivery completed by March 2024. They would anticipate a progress review between September 2023 and January 2024.
  • You shall, on request, provide them with information, explanations and documents as they may reasonably require in order to establish that the Grant has been used only for the purpose specified.
  • The funded project will outline an exit strategy for transitioning after the funding ends in March 2024.
  • Your project should demonstrate how it links with the wider mental health provisions across the area you plan to work in.
  • Your project should demonstrate how you’ve gained input from those people who are likely to benefit from your project and how they’ve helped to shape the activity you are planning.
  • Your project should explain how people will be referred or signposted towards your project.
  • Demonstrate that sufficient insurance is in place.
  • It is essential to demonstrate that appropriate safeguarding policies are in place.
  • They will not consider reapplications for large grants above £10,000.
  • They highly encourage applications from under-represented groups

Ineligible

• They cannot accept applications from Individuals, sole traders, organisations based outside of Somerset, one organisation on behalf of another.

For more information, visit Open Mental Health.