The Public Health Agency (PHA): Making Life Better through Short-term Funding

Overview

This Public Health Agency initiative is administered by Developing Healthy Communities Northern Ireland through the Clear Project, which is facilitating the process in each Health and Social Care Trust area.

Objectives of Fund

The funding is intended to support strategic themes such as 'Making Life Better,' the Suicide Prevention Strategy, and the Mental Health Strategy.

Projects will promote positive mental health, address health determinants, reduce health inequalities, enhance community capacity to prevent suicide, build resilient communities, and encourage innovative mental health interventions.

Funding Available 

The following levels of funding are available:

• Award One: grants of up to £1,000 for non-constituted and constituted non-profit taking community/voluntary sector groups.
• Award Two: grants of between £1,001 and £5,000 for constituted, non-profit taking community/voluntary sector groups.

Who Can Apply

Applications will be accepted from constituted and non-constituted voluntary and community groups located in the Western, Belfast, Northern, South-eastern, and Southern Health and Social Care Trust areas of Northern Ireland.

Organisations can apply for either Award One or Award Two, but not both. Only one application per organisation for delivery within the area (per Trust area) stated on the application will be accepted.

Eligible Costs

Grants can be used to support the following costs and activities:

• Defined training programmes that meets the programme objectives and outcomes outlined within the PHA Mental and Emotional Health and Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention Training Framework.
• Existing staff costs may be considered where work undertaken is in addition to current duties, and where monies are not currently being received from another funder for the provision of same.
• Current PHA funded programmes and providers can be funded through this short term funding scheme, if funding is not duplicated.
• Expenditure applicable and integral to the programme.
• Self-help and life skills initiatives, for example:
  • Guided programmes that can support individuals and communities manage eg anxiety, worry and general wellbeing.
  • Initiatives linked to the 'Take 5' Steps to Wellbeing.
  • Mood management.
  • Coping skills.
  • Self-esteem/resilience building.
  • Practical support to boost and protect mental health and emotional wellbeing.

All projects must be completed by 27 February 2026.