Local NHS Trust backing ‘Good idea’ grants

A new small grants scheme to fund good ideas from people with mental health problems or learning disabilities has been launched, and the local provider of specialist NHS services is calling on local people to apply.

The South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is encouraging local people who use its mental health and learning disability services in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield to apply for the unique grants scheme to help fund their good ideas.

The grants are available to people who live in Yorkshire and Humber who have a great idea that could help them or other people with learning disabilities or mental health difficulties. The funding could be used to help people get a place of their own, stay in their own home, get a job or learn something new.

This £30,000 available is aimed at people or groups of people with mental health difficulties or learning disabilities, including those from black and minority ethnic communities. The grants are not for organisations, or charities, instead the money is for people or groups of people who want to do something themselves.

The Trust’s head of inclusion Phil Walters said, "The people who use our services are the experts in understanding their care needs, and they know what they want and what could make a difference. This is a great opportunity to get some financial aid to support an idea. Our inclusion team would be happy to help any of our service users who would like to apply.”

Grants are available from £100-£1500 and applications must show how the idea will help to build on skills and passions and how it will benefit the community.

Grant application forms can be obtained by emailing thisismygoodidea@gmail.com or by phoning Touchstone on 0113 248 4880. Local people can also get in touch with the Trust’s inclusion team for additional support on 01924 328656.