PHA Launches New Fund To Support Mental Health Groups

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a new fund to support community and voluntary groups that focus on improving mental health and emotional wellbeing.

The PHA initiative which aims to address health and wellbeing needs in local communities, is now open, with groups having until 3pm on Friday 21 June to submit applications.

Fiona Teague, Regional Lead for Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing 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.

"More than 29,000 people benefited from direct involvement in the 438 funded projects across Northern Ireland.

"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 3pm on Friday 21 June 2024.

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