Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Investment Fund 2024

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Investment Fund (MHWCIF) is set to open for expressions of interest on 28^th October 2024, inviting innovative and sustainable project proposals aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of adults aged 18 and over.

The innovation fund allows organisations to apply for funding for up to £8,000 to bring new, creative solutions to address mental health and wellbeing challenges and the sustainability fund emphasises on the long-term impact and viability of funded projects, with applications accepted in Year 1 of up to £25,000.

With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and long-term impact, this fund is open to Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations to support community-driven solutions.

The funding is designed to empower local organisations and community groups to deliver innovative and impactful activities across Lincolnshire, to deliver projects that align with the following key objectives:

1. Reduce the number adults with mental ill health
   Fund projects that promote early intervention, prevention, and access to mental health services for adults 18+. These projects should aim to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and address known risk factors for mental ill health.
2. Reduce the number of people in mental health crisis
   Support programs that offer crisis prevention and community-based interventions. These should be designed to de-escalate mental health crises and provide support.
3. Maximise people’s independence
   Encourage initiatives that enhance self-sufficiency, life skills, and independence for individuals with mental health challenges, including access to housing, employment, education, and social support networks.
4. Increase the number of people who have meaningful occupation
   Fund projects that help individuals find meaningful employment, volunteering opportunities, or educational programs that promote a sense of purpose, skill development, and social contribution.
5. Improve quality of life
   Prioritise programs that enhance emotional, physical, and social well-being by improving access to services, activities, and supports that contribute to an overall better quality of life, including social integration, leisure activities, and physical health.
6. Increase the number of people who live longer in good health
   Support initiatives focused on long-term health promotion. These programs should encourage healthy behaviours, mental wellness, and community engagement to ensure people live longer, healthier lives.

Stage 1 Expressions of interest for the fund will open on 28^th October 2024 and will be accepted until 12 Noon on 15^th November 2024.

To assist interested applicants in understanding the fund’s objectives and the application process, a series of one-hour information sessions will be held on selected dates as below to provide guidance on the two-stage application process. For more information on how to submit an expression of interest and to attend the sessions, please email [email protected]

Thursday 10^th October 12:00 – 13:00             Tuesday 15^th October 13:30 – 14:30

Thursday 17^th October 12:00 – 13:00             Thursday 24^th October 12:00 – 13:00

Thursday 24 October 16:00 – 17:00              Monday 28^th October 09:00 – 10:00

Wednesday 30^th October 08:00 – 09:00         Monday 4^th November 10:00 – 11:00

Wednesday 6^th November 14:00 – 15:00       Tuesday 12^th November 14:00-15:00