Bids open for £300k of funding to support mental health projects in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) and Lincolnshire County Council have announced the latest round of their Mental Health Promotion Fund.

The fund aims to support people to live independently in their own homes and local communities, reducing social isolation and building stronger connections and networks with people and communities.

Projects which successfully receive an investment from the fund will become part of Lincolnshire’s Managed Care Network for mental health. This network is an alliance of groups and organisations which provide a range of activities and services to give people support, structure, and choice in their lives.

LPFT Director of Strategy, Planning and Partnerships, Jane Marshall, says the network’s efforts to reach those experiencing mental ill health are more important now than ever.

“Since launching the scheme in 2012, it has been great to see the number of people benefitting from projects enabled by the funding increasing year on year.

“This year has been a difficult year for social isolation, and COVID-19 continues to have a considerable impact. With the support of Lincolnshire County Council, we are pleased to be able to help local communities across Lincolnshire in reaching out and supporting people, families, carers and groups with activities and projects.

“This funding emphasises the importance of care and kindness, particularly towards those who are vulnerable during these unprecedented times.”

Kate and Bill Rodgers are members of the Managed Care Network and received funding to support the work of the Stepping Stone Theatre for Mental Health last year. They said: “Without the support of the Managed Care Network, the Stepping Stone Theatre for Mental Health would find it very difficult to offer the projects to many of our members and others within our community.

“The Managed Care Network has allowed us to build on the foundation we have laid of the mental health support we already offer; from our walking group, online live peer support, podcast, drama group and our online writing groups. It has without doubt enabled us to grow and offer more activities to people with mental health challenges, in a safe, non-clinical and non-judgmental environment.”

Coun Patricia Bradwell, Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health, said: “The health and wellbeing of our residents, particularly the most vulnerable who may be living at home on their own, is hugely important. Not only in terms of them living a full and healthy life, but also in reducing the need for further support and services due to failing health. Groups can access funding to help keep people in their communities healthy, reduce loneliness and social isolation, and bridge gaps between individuals and families who need some support.

“We want people to be able to live independent lives in their own homes, with strong support from communities, for as long as possible. I’d urge any groups or organisations who are interested to get their bids in before the deadline. It could make a huge difference to the lives of many people who might otherwise fall into ill-health.”

For this round of funding, the panel welcomes and encourages new projects to come forward with fresh and imaginative ideas that support key priorities including: physical activities which improve mental health, mental health advocacy and developing of befriending networks.

The deadline for applications is 12pm on Thursday November 5.

For more details about the Mental Health Promotion Fund and how to apply, visit www.lpft.nhs.uk/mental-health-promotion or contact the Community Partnerships Team on 01529 222 245, [email protected]