DN569103 VCF Mental Health Grant Award Scheme

Tender description

Having good mental health and wellbeing makes it easier to deal better with the different stresses (physical and mental) and problems in life. It also supports our ability to fulfil our ambitions and dreams, to be more confident, have good relationships with other people and cope with life’s ups and downs. It can help us to do well at school, in the workplace and in adjusting to retirement. Better mental health and wellbeing may also improve community spirit, bringing people together and reducing levels of violence, intolerance and crime. Conversely poor mental health reduces someone’s chances of being in employment or finishing school, college or university, as well as increasing costs in places such as schools and workplaces. People can also be marginalised and excluded from participation in opportunities to be physically active (including gyms, sports) social events, education, health improvement interventions (eg smoking cessation support) and many other aspects of community life. There is clear evidence proving that a range of prevention activities promote good mental health and reduce some of the impacts of poor mental health. These actions have also been shown to be cost-effective as a good way of spending money on activities that improve health outcomes. The impact of Covid-19 and the social and economic consequences of the pandemic have meant that tackling mental health at a population level has never been more important. Public Health are therefore investing in a VCF (Voluntary, Community, Faith) Sector Grants Programme to enhance the capacity within communities to address the significant rise in lower level mental health problems working in partnership with Liverpool Charity & Voluntary Services (LCVS).. LCVS will be appointed to promote and administrate the Grant Award Scheme due to 1.) Their expert knowledge of the mental health support needs of the VCF Sector leadership and networks with the VCF Sector. 2.) LCVS already have due diligence processes established to ensure appropriate procedures are implemented in awarding of grants. 3. The staffing expertise to support, monitor and evaluate successful bids 4. Their embedded links within the Liverpool Mental Health Strategy Framework that ensures successful bids can demonstrate a contribution to wider overarching strategic objectives. This proposal was approved at LCC Cabinet on August 13th 2021. Out of the £500K funding LCC has agreed to provide for this Scheme LCVS have indicated £75,130.70 will be required for management costs therefore releasing £424,869.30 for grants. In total £500K will need transferring to LCVS.