Community groups across Kent and Medway can apply for grants of between £500 and £10,000 through the Kent & Medway Better Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Fund, with applications closing at noon on 11 May.
The fund — launched ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week — is open to grassroots organisations including charities and parish councils running projects that support mental health and wellbeing locally. It’s funded by NHS Kent and Medway and delivered through Kent County Council and Medway Council as part of the wider Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Programme.
Any project receiving money must be wrapped up by the end of March 2027. Successful applicants will also be asked to take part in a project evaluation — described as straightforward.
This isn’t a new scheme groping for its footing. Over 100 projects have been supported across the previous eight years, and in the last round alone ten organisations received grants. Past recipients include groups working with autistic people, befriending services, domestic abuse survivors and young people struggling with their mental health — among them West Kent Mind, Emerge Medway, Luna Foundation and SATEDA.
Kent County Council says the fund is designed to test new ideas and build evidence for what works at community level. Smaller, local outfits rather than large institutions. Groups that can put money directly where it’s needed.
How to apply
- Grants range from £500 to £10,000
- Deadline: 12 noon, Monday 11 May
- All projects must be completed by end of March 2027
- Applicants should be prepared to complete a simple project evaluation
For mental health support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24 hours) or text SHOUT to 85258 for the Shout Crisis Text Line. NHS urgent mental health support in Kent and Medway is available by calling 111 and selecting the mental health option.
Kent and Medway mental health fund opens for applications up to £10,000 Quiz
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