PHA Launch Funding Scheme For Mental Health Projects

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has called on community and voluntary groups to apply to a new funding programme for projects designed to improve mental health and emotional wellbeing.

The PHA scheme opens to applications today and aims to address health and wellbeing needs in local communities. The funding programme will also support a range of strategic themes and priorities under the 'Making Life Better' public health framework, in particular mental health, emotional wellbeing, suicide prevention and self-harm.

Fiona Teague, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement at PHA, said: "Community and voluntary organisations are most acutely aware of the issues that affect people on the ground and this short-term funding programme will give them the opportunity to address issues of mental health and emotional wellbeing specific to their communities.

"Last year 364 projects across Northern Ireland benefitted from over £1.6 million investment by the PHA.

"The PHA is keen to invest in programmes that will have a particular focus on using one or more of the 'Take 5' Steps to Wellbeing'. These are five simple steps that we can build into our daily lives to maintain and improve wellbeing – Connect, Be active, Keep learning, Give and Take Notice.

"We are encouraging applicants to work collaboratively to develop innovative projects and most importantly involve local communities in project design."

The short-term funding programme provides the community and voluntary sector with the opportunity to access small, non-recurring funding which can be used to support health improvement in local communities.

The PHA has commissioned the Clear Project to facilitate this process in each Health and Social Care Trust area.

Brenda Morris, Manager of the Clear Project, said: "Short-term funding plays a vital role in supporting programmes within the community. This work can take a range of forms from self-help and life skills initiatives supporting those in need to giving groups the opportunity to develop and build their capacity to help others."

Two types of awards are available under the programme:

• Award one: Funding of up to £1,000 for non-constituted and constituted non-profit taking community/ voluntary sector groups.

• Award two: Funding of between £1,001 and to a maximum of £5,000 for constituted, non-profit taking community/voluntary sector groups.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 26 July 2023 at 3pm.

To apply for the short-term funding opportunities for Western, Belfast, Northern, South Eastern and Southern Health and Social Care Trust areas go to www.dhcni.com/pha-short-term-funding-grants