NSUN Mental health funding for smaller groups – to open soon

The National Survivor User Network (NSUN) will be offering grants to smaller groups who are providing mental health peer support activities. This is part of funding allocated by the government to help organisations who are delivering mental health support services during the pandemic. MIND is distributing the larger funding pots of £20,ooo and £50,000 to registered charities (read more here). NSUN will be distributing smaller funding pots of £1,000 to community groups and smaller charities.

Who can apply for NSUN funding

This NSUN funding is for small user-led groups. You will need to be a member of NSUN (which is free). You can email them at covidfund@nsun.org.uk if you have any questions about eligibility.

What can you use the funding for?

The fund is for small peer groups to provide additional support or sustain existing support using connecting technologies to their members during the Covid-19 crisis. The focus is on making a difference to people’s lives now, during this time of uncertainty and reduction of other forms of support.

Here are some examples of ways funds could be used

You might be a peer support group in the community who require an annual Zoom subscription to move your group online.
You might be a local advocacy and peer support group who might require a laptop or additional data on your phones to continue your support activities.
You might be a group which is not currently online who need to create a website to share your services.
You might need to cover DBS checks for new volunteers.
You might need to cover the costs of a sessional facilitator/contractor for additional training to move your peer support group online.

How can you apply

Funding is expected to go live by the end of April. Please keep an eye on their website.

Further information

You can read more on their website here.
Contact advice@rva.org.uk if you would like guidance on making funding applications.