Communities Mental Health and Well Being Fund

The ambition of this fund is to support initiatives that promote mental health and well being at a small scale, grassroots, community level. and is  accessible to all groups, no matter how small or inexperienced they are. It can support both new and existing groups or projects. These do not have to have mental health and well being as their main focus, but the application does have to clearly benefit the mental well being of people in their community. 

• Only one to  VASLan Members. VASLan membership is free and organisations can apply for membership by sending an email to membership@vaslan.org.uk
• All groups  and organisations no matter how small or inexperienced  theonly condition is that the award must be used to deliver the service in South Lanarkshire

Will Fund

• Equipment
• One Off Events
• Hall Hire of Community Spaces
• Small Capital Spend (i.e. Land or building projects)
• Staff Costs (one off or fixed term)
• Training costs
• Transport
• Utilities/Running Costs
• Volunteer expenses
• Helping people to stay safe (PPE)

Will Not Fund

• Contingency Costs, Loans endowments or interest
• Electricity generation and feed in tariff payment
• Political or religious campaigning
• Profit Making / Fundraising Activities
• VAT you can reclaim
• Statutory activities
• Overseas Travel
• Alcohol

The Funding Priorities are:

• Projects which tackle suicide prevention, social isolation and loneliness, prevention and early intervention
• Projects which address the mental health inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic and the needs of a range of 'at risk groups'
• Projects that support small 'grass roots' community groups and organisations
• Projects that provide opportunities for people to connect with each other, build trusted relationships and revitalise communities
• Projects that support recovery and creativity locally by building on what is already there, what was achieved through the pandemic and by investing in creative solutions

There are 3 level of Grants

• Small Grants up to £5,000
• Main Grants £5,000 to £10,000
• Partnership Grants £10,000 to £50,000

Applications are easy and you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as there expected to be a high demand. 

1. Download and read the Guidance Note 
2. Download the appropriate Application Form:
   • Small Grant Application Form Up to £5000
   • Large Grant Application Form Over £5000
3. Send your applications to funding@vaslan.org.uk
4. VASLan will assess the application. Applications are done on an ongoing basis
5. If successful it should only take  2 to 3 weeks from submitting your application to the money being payed into your bank
6. You have 2 years in which to spend the grant

If you have any questions or require support with your application please contact funding@vaslan.org.uk or phone 01698 300390

Groups and organisations  that receive an award are required  to provide evidence on how the award was used  and the success of the project. The types of evidenced (not limited to) that can be used are:

• Case Studies
• Quotes
• Surveys
• Bench Marking
• Photographs
• Videos
• Audio recordings
• Feedback forms
• Focus Group
• Third Party Evaluations

• Guidance Document
• Small Grant Application Form Up To £5000
• Large Grant Application Form Over £5000