DHSSPS Project Grants
Overview
The Department's strategy for improving the health and social wellbeing of the people of Northern Ireland is set out in the publication ‘Investing for Health'. Its overarching aims are:
- To improve the health status of all of the people of Northern Ireland; and
- To reduce inequalities in health.
Branches within the Department also have specific objectives that constitute the criteria on which the branch awards grants to voluntary and community organisations.
Child Care
The provision of training, advocacy, counselling and support in respect of:
- Child protection
- Looked after children
- Learning and aftercare
- Adoption
- Foster Care
Domestic Violence
Research projects aimed at providing education advice and support on a regional basis to mothers and their children, who are the victims of domestic violence.
Mental Health
- To develop and modernise community mental health services
- To progress resettlement programmes for long-stay hospital patients
- To prevent inappropriate admissions and re-admissions to hospital
- To develop forensic psychiatric services in the community
- To supporting carers of people with mental health problems
Sexual Violence
In line with Government's response to Bamford to better promote positive mental health:- To provide information on all services available throughout Northern Ireland for victims of sexual violence and abuse, including contact details for service providers and information of how services can be accessed. This includes mapping current services, production of a regional directory of services, development of care pathway maps and the production of a report to the Department.
The Department gives resource grants to support eligible projects that encourage innovation, test new ideas or carry out research that is supported by the HSS Boards and Trusts.
Subject to availability of resources, the Department will give financial assistance for projects if:
- the scheme is a regional one (or is a local one with potential regional significance): 'regional' means covering a minimum of 2 HPSS Board areas
- there is a clear demonstrated need for the work
- the scheme objectives are in accord with the Departmental and relevant business area objectives
- the project does not duplicate existing activity or services already available
- a specific form of activity is required such as the testing of an innovative idea or the development of a particular pattern of service and
- the scheme will deliver measurable outcomes.
The following costs are eligible:
- relevant and essential staff salaries related to the project
- relevant programme and training costs
- relevant running costs and overheads
- essential equipment and minor capital items
- appropriate management and audit costs
- costs of involving volunteers and
- Evaluation costs for the project
Organisations receiving financial assistance must be bona-fide, self-governing and constitutionally independent, not directly controlled by a ‘for-profit' organisation.
There is no minimum or maximum level of grant in monetary terms, but funds are limited and this restricts the number and amount of awards that can be made. Applications which scored higher against the assessment criteria will generally be prioritised, and account will also be taken of the amount of funds requested in relation to those available.