The East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) is providing £1.5m to fund voluntary-led projects that tackle inequalities in access, outcomes and experiences in mental health support services for children and young people. 

Grants of £5,000 to £50,000 are up for grabs for mental health charities and voluntary organisations from Newham and 13 other boroughs across North Central and East London. 

Applications are open to groups that are at risk of losing their capacity to offer mental health support due to increasing demand as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and groups that offer support to those who are on the waiting list to access mental health services. 

The NHS is also encouraging applications that focus on supporting specific demographic groups and ethnic minorities as well as proposals for co-production initiatives that aim to shape and tailor how services are delivered to these groups. 

Dr Mohit Venkataram, ELFT Director of Commercial Development, said: 

“The NHS provides incredible support for children and young people, but VCS partners provide hope and help from the heart of the communities where we provide care. This fund is in place so we can continue to work together with these amazing people.” 

Compass Wellbeing is managing both the inequalities and the hospital admission avoidance funds.

If your organisation would like to apply, you can contact funding@compasswellbeing.co.uk for any queries. 

Applications close on Sunday 8 January. 

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