Launched to coincide with this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week whose theme is ‘community’, the 2025 Kent and Medway Better Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Fund is now open – offering grants from £500 to £10,000.
The fund is run by the Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Programme, a partnership of NHS organisations, Kent County Council (KCC) and Medway Council.
Details of how to apply by midday, Monday 9 June 2025, are set out on KCC’s website here.
If you have any questions about your application please email the team via: suicideprevention@kent.gov.uk.
“Looking after our mental health is as important as looking after our physical health”
Dr Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity for us all to focus on our mental wellbeing.
“Looking after our mental health is as important as looking after our physical health. Indeed, people with poor mental health often have poor physical health (as well as the other way round).
“I would urge community organisations in Kent and Medway to apply for funding, so there are ever more opportunities for people to reach out for help and support with their mental health and wellbeing closer to home.”
“...the Kent and Medway Better Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Fund has helped more than 100 frontline initiatives save and change lives”
KCC Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “From pop up coffee clubs to creative writing groups, mental health support comes in many forms; and since it was set up seven years ago the Kent and Medway Better Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Fund has helped more than 100 frontline initiatives save and change lives.
“Of course, we know there’s always more to do, particularly in our most deprived communities who are unfairly affected by issues that can trigger poor mental health, such as stress, social isolation and substance abuse. So this Mental Health Awareness Week whatever your idea, however you are giving people a sense of belonging and purpose, please consider applying. We want to test innovative ideas, develop evidence of what works and help local schemes continue to support their residents.”
“Improving the mental health of everyone, throughout our communities, is not only a mission we should all embrace but something we can all benefit from”
Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Council, said: “Improving the mental health of everyone, throughout our communities, is not only a mission we should all embrace but something we can all benefit from.
“Projects like the Kent and Medway Better Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Fund not only give a financial push to valuable grassroots projects, but demonstrate solidarity with them, galvanizing community-wide efforts to improve wellbeing throughout society. I would encourage anyone who can benefit to get in touch.”
This Mental Health Awareness Week, residents are also being reminded that if things don’t feel right, talking about your feelings can help.
- Release the Pressure offers free expert advice from trained counsellors who can support no matter what you are going through. Text the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258, to start a confidential conversation with one of the experienced team who can give you help at any time, wherever you are. Alternatively, call the 24/7 freephone helpline on 0800 107 0160.
There’s also help on hand if you are supporting someone with their mental health.
- Mid Kent Mind offers free learning to gain the confidence to talk about challenging emotions and experiences and get to a better place. Men are least likely to ask for help and Movember Conversations includes practical tools to teach you to confidently have conversations with the men in your life who may be struggling.
Visit the Kent and Medway Mental Wellbeing Information Hub for all the local services available to help with mental health and wellbeing.
Urgent support:
- NHS 111 – experiencing a mental health crisis or have concerns about a loved one? Use NHS 111 online, or call 111 and select the ‘mental health option’ to speak to a trained mental health professional
- Samaritans – can be contacted anytime, on 116 123
- 999 – in an emergency, when someone’s life is at risk, always call 999
