Update: 12 May 2026 - applications are now closed for this funding scheme.
Launched ahead of next month’s Mental Health Awareness Week, whose theme is ‘action’, the 2026 Kent & Medway Better Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Fund opens today, offering grants from £500 to £10,000.
Find out who can apply and how to apply.
Projects must be completed by the end of March 2027, and successful applicants will be expected to take part in a simple project evaluation.
If you have any questions about your application just email the team at suicideprevention@kent.gov.uk.
IMAGE: Emma Halpin, Chief Executive of the Blackthorn Trust
The Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Programme is funded by NHS Kent and Medway and delivered by Kent County Council (KCC) and Medway Council. View some of the previous projects supported by the fund.
Maidstone charity Blackthorn Trust successfully applied for grant funding in 2024.
Blackthorn Trust Chief Executive Emma Halpin said: "The funding has enabled us to provide essential peer support group for young people. Our objectives were to help them understand the bigger picture, work through a journey of change and obstacles and create a community of peers and a safe space at Blackthorn Charity to continue connecting.
"The feedback and outcomes have been amazing, with a reduction in mental health symptoms (reducing the suicide risk), increased independence, and reduced feelings of isolation."
“In previous years this funding has supported some great projects, so if your organisation has an idea that needs funding to make it work, I urge you to apply”
Dr Kate Langford, Chief Medical and Outcomes Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “This is a funding opportunity for community groups, charities and local organisations that can make a real difference to people’s mental health and wellbeing across Kent and Medway.
“With more people struggling with their mental health, local organisations are well placed to reach into communities and offer practical support and advice.
“In previous years this funding has supported some great projects, so if your organisation has an idea that needs funding to make it work, I urge you to apply.”
“...since it was set up eight years ago this fund has helped over 115 frontline initiatives”
KCC Cabinet Member with responsibility for Public Health, Jamie Henderson, said: “This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week focuses on taking action to support good mental health so it's really fitting we’re launching this year’s Better Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Fund as part of this upcoming nationwide awareness push - it’s all about finding practical, effective ways to save, and change, lives.
“From art and creative writing groups to coffee clubs, mental health support comes in many forms; and since it was set up eight years ago this fund has helped over 115 frontline initiatives test innovative ideas, develop evidence of what works and help frontline projects continue to support their communities.
“We know there’s always more to do, particularly in our most deprived areas that are unfairly affected by issues like unemployment and addictions that can trigger poor mental health, so please consider applying.”
“This grant provides organisations an opportunity to build on that hope and keep going with the important conversation of suicide prevention”
Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Council and Portfolio Holder for Public Health, said: “Improving mental health across our communities is a shared responsibility, and one that benefits all of us. There is always more to do, but we are committed to working closely with all of our partners to ensure anyone who needs support has access to it.
“Initiatives like this fund not only provide vital funding for grassroots projects. They also show real solidarity with those on the ground, helping to strengthen community-wide efforts to support wellbeing. We have seen the lasting impact community-led action can have first-hand too - with the inspirational Baton of Hope tour passing through Medway and Kent last year. This grant provides organisations an opportunity to build on that hope and keep going with the important conversation of suicide prevention.
“I encourage anyone who thinks they may be able to make a difference, but needs a bit of financial help to get an idea off the ground, to apply to this fund. I would also like take this opportunity to remind people they are not alone - support is there if you need it, so please do reach out to someone and don’t suffer in silence.”
Visit the Kent and Medway Mental Wellbeing Information Hub for all the local services available to help with mental health and wellbeing.
Need urgent support?
- NHS 111: if you are 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: always call the emergency services when someone’s life is in immediate danger
The Kent & Medway Better Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Fund was previously known as the Kent & Medway Better Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Fund.
