A new round of grant funding will support community-based schemes and activities that help to promote mental well-being and prevent mental ill health on the Island.
The Isle of Wight Council announced a further £50,000 will be made available through its Mental Wellbeing Small Grants Fund yesterday (World Mental Health Day).
The fund supports voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to deliver innovative local projects to support mental well-being.
It was launched earlier this year by the council’s Public Health team, in partnership with Mental Health Champion, Councillor Michael Lilley, and Healthwatch Isle of Wight.
Councillor Lilley said:
“We are committed to supporting the Island’s residents to look after their mental well-being. We know there are relatively simple steps we can all take to improve our well-being, including connecting with others, keeping active and getting involved in things across our community.
“The cost-of-living crisis will be hardest for people who may already be vulnerable or on low incomes. It is more important than ever to look after both our own mental health and wellbeing and those around us, helping people get the right support at the time they need it.
The fund was developed to make a real difference to people’s lives through providing support for mental health and wellbeing in places and ways that Islanders really need them.
17 organisations received one-off grants of between £350 and £5,000 including Men Only Isle of Wight, who have established a Ryde hub offering non-judgmental support and a safe place for men in the community, and Sensory Space CIC to provide peer support and a safe space for parents with children with additional needs.
Councillor Karl Love, Cabinet member for Public Health, added:
“The Mental Wellbeing Small Grants Fund was an important element of our recovery response in helping our Island people and organisations to provide activities supporting health and wellbeing, particularly around mental health and wellbeing.
“The success of the scheme — thanks to the work of Councillor Lilley, our Public Health team and Healthwatch Isle of Wight — has inspired the council to dig deep and find the funding to support initiatives again in 2023.”
Mental health champion… jesus wept.