Southern HSC Trust Mental Health Small Grants

Overview

On this occasion applications are invited for funding to support the delivery of promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. Minimum award £1,500, Maximum award £3,000.

Themes for community based programmes to promote positive mental health and well being:

• Child centred active learning for 0-5 years and their parents/guardians: The formation and nurturing of close relationship bonds is a critical part of child development and where there is failure to develop appropriate attachments or disruption to relationships mental health problems may result. Physical activity, Structured Play, interactive music, dance etc. either alone or as part of organised programmes can improve emotional wellbeing and promote social skills and self-esteem. Parent and toddler groups are one example of positive action.
• Alleviating social isolation and loneliness for older people: The mental and emotional wellbeing of older people can be seriously compromised by being socially isolated. Various factors contribute to social isolation with older people, for example a decline in social activity, deaths of friends and relatives, transportation and mobility problems, less support due to smaller family size and living alone. Any programme or interaction that offers older people the opportunity to meet, talk and interact with others can combat social isolation, for example befriending schemes or 50+ clubs.
• Creativity through collective action: This theme offers the opportunity for people to work together to develop programmes or projects that will enable and empower people to improve their own mental health either by enhancing their knowledge and skills, providing an opportunity to become involved in activities that promote self-esteem and confidence or create a shared environment conducive to relaxation and self-awareness. Examples could include; community improving the environment as a shared space, community dance classes or intergenerational activities.
  

The grant allocated will be between £1,500 to £3,000. Therefore costs should reflect this. All costs must clearly relate to your application especially your action plan.

Projects are encouraged that involve Section 75 groups. Section 75 of the NI Act 1998 requires public authorities carrying out functions that relate to Northern Ireland to have due regard for the need to promote equality of opportunity between:

• persons of different religious belief, political opinion, racial group, age, marital status or sexual orientation.
• men and women generally
• persons with a disability and persons without
• persons with dependants and persons without

CDHN will pay for all the eligible costs of the project including revenue and overheads. Only eligible costs that are peripheral to the size of the project will be included. Funding for materials is limited to 20% of the grant.

How to Apply

Completed and signed application forms must be returned by post or hand delivered to: Ruth Murphy, Community Development and Health Network, 30a Mill Street, Newry, BT34 1EY on or before the deadline. Applications received after this date can not be accepted.