Grants awarded to support good adult mental health

In Autumn 2022, JUCD approached Erewash Voluntary Action through Derbyshire Mental Health Forum to administer a grant funding pot and disseminate to Voluntary & Community Sector groups across Derbyshire including Derby city.

This one-off fund was to be used for one off or ongoing projects, activities, or equipment to support adults to improve or maintain good mental health.

The parameters of the fund were kept broad to receive as many applications as possible and to encourage vibrant and innovative suggestions for activity from a wide range of organisations.

The aim was to prioritise supporting smaller organisations working locally that are reliant on grant funding in preference to those larger, regional, or national organisations that can access much larger pots via statutory agencies. The grant pot was divided into two funds – one for grants of up to £500, which un-constituted groups could apply for, and another for grants of up to £5,000 for more established groups.

The programme received 30 applications for grants up to £500, of which 27 were awarded. The programme of grants up £5,000 was much more competitive, with the 60 applications double the amount available. This left the panel with tough decisions to make.

Funding was awarded to groups delivering a myriad of activities, including befriending sessions, holistic therapy, lunch clubs and connecting with nature.

Groups will be asked to feed back within the year on how the funding has benefited people, which should result in some heart-warming case studies. T

hese stories will be shared at the June meeting of the Derbyshire Mental Health Forum.