Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Investment Fund 2026/27

Further funding available to Support Community Mental Health and Wellbeing across Lincolnshire with a focus on Meaningful Occupation

We are delighted to announce that further funding is available as part of the 2026/27 Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Investment Fund (MHWCIF). £105,000 is available to support voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations to develop and deliver innovative projects that improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes for people across Lincolnshire.

In partnership with Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) and Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), and administered by Shine Lincolnshire, the fund forms part of a wider commitment to investing in preventative, community-based approaches that support people to live well, remain connected to their communities, and maximise their independence.

Alongside the 22 projects currently being delivered through the Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Investment Fund, the fund builds upon the significant impact achieved, which has supported a significant number of Lincolnshire residents to access meaningful activities, develop social connections, improve confidence and wellbeing, and access opportunities that support recovery and resilience.

Funding Priorities

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Investment Fund aims to support projects that:

• Increase opportunities for meaningful occupation and participation, including volunteering, learning, employment pathways, skills development, community engagement and other purposeful activities that support recovery and inclusion.
• Support people experiencing mental ill health, including those living with severe mental illness (SMI), to improve quality of life, achieve personal goals and sustain positive outcomes within their communities.
• Build confidence, resilience, independence and self-efficacy, enabling people to manage their wellbeing, make informed choices and maximise their potential.
• Strengthen social connections, relationships and community networks, reducing isolation and helping people develop a sense of belonging and community participation.
• Reduce health inequalities and improving access to opportunities, support and community resources, particularly for individuals and communities who experience additional barriers to good mental health and wellbeing.
• Provide early intervention, prevention, recovery and rehabilitation approaches that support people to maintain independence, prevent deterioration and reduce the likelihood of requiring more intensive support where appropriate.
• Support people to sustain recovery and remain connected to their communities, including individuals transitioning from secondary mental health services or experiencing significant life changes.
• Promote co-production, volunteering, peer support and community-led approaches that empower people to contribute to, shape and influence services, activities and their local communities.
• Strengthen community assets and local capacity to support the delivery of Lincolnshire’s Together We Will priorities and create healthier, more inclusive and connected communities.

Available Funding

Single Location Grant

Grants of up to £7,500 are available for organisations delivering mental health and wellbeing projects from a single location within Lincolnshire.

Multi-Location Grant

Grants of up to £15,000 are available for organisations delivering projects across two or more locations within Lincolnshire.

Applicants may apply for either a Single Location Grant or a Multi-Location Grant, but not both. Only one application per organisation will be accepted.

Celia Evershed Co-Production Fund

A further £5,000 has been made available through the Celia Evershed Co-Production Fund to continue to support projects that place lived experience and co-production at the heart of service development, ensuring people with relevant experience are actively involved in shaping, designing, delivering and evaluating activities and services.

Organisations may apply for grants of up to £2,000 for projects with a clear and dedicated focus on co-production.

All funded projects, regardless of grant programme, will be required to deliver activity over a 12-month period commencing on 1 October 2026 and ending on 30 September 2027.

Applicant Support and Information Webinars

To support organisations in understanding the fund priorities and application process, two online information webinars will be delivered via Microsoft Teams:

Webinar 1 – 8 June 2026: 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Webinar 2 – 16 June 2026: 8:00am – 9:00am

These sessions will provide an introduction to the fund and key application requirements. Applicants will also have access to one-to-one support from Shine to help develop project ideas and ensure alignment with the fund priorities.

Application Process

Stage 1 – Expression of Interest

Expressions of Interest will open on: Friday 12 June 2026

Applications must be submitted by: 12 Noon on Friday 26 June 2026

Stage 2 – Panel Interview

All organisations submitting an Expression of Interest will receive an update on the outcome of their application from Friday 10 July 2026.

Organisations invited to progress to Stage 2 will attend a panel interview on: Monday 20 July 2026

Further details regarding the interview process will be provided to shortlisted applicants.

Further Information

To register for one of the information webinars, request one-to-one support, or obtain an application pack, please contact: [email protected]

Application packs will be available from Monday 8 June 2026 and will be issued upon request.