The overarching aim of this Fund is to:
Support community-based initiatives that promote and develop good mental health and wellbeing and/or mitigate and protect against the impact of distress and mental ill health within the adult population (aged 16 or over), with a particular focus on prevention and early intervention.
Specifically, it aims to:
- Tackle mental health inequalities through supporting a range of ‘at risk groups (as outlined in the Equalities section).
- Address priority issues of social isolation and loneliness, suicide prevention and poverty and inequality with a particular emphasis on responding to the cost-of-living crisis and support to those facing socio-economic disadvantage.
- Support small ‘grass roots’ community groups and organisations to deliver such activities.
- Provide opportunities for people to connect with each other, build trusted relationships and revitalise communities.
The Fund directly contributes to Outcome 4 of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy published in June 2023:
“Better equipped communities to support people’s mental health and wellbeing and provide opportunities to connect with others”
It also clearly supports the three key areas of focus in the Strategy:
- Promote positive mental health and wellbeing for the whole population, improving understanding and tackling stigma, inequality and discrimination;
- Prevent mental health issues occurring or escalating and tackle underlying causes, adversities and inequalities wherever possible; and
- Provide mental health and wellbeing support and care, ensuring people and communities can access the right information, skills, services and opportunities in the right place at the right time, using a person-centred approach.
The Fund will open to applications on 30th September 2024. Application packs will be available via the TSI Western Isles website tsiwi.org.uk on 30th September.