St Monica Trust invites applications for £225,000 Mental Health and Older People Fund
The St Monica Trust Charitable Impact Team has launched the Mental Health and Older People Fund 2021 which aims to fund projects that support older people who are living with mental health issues developed through lockdown, such as anxiety, depression and a loss of confidence.
The impact of lockdown on mental health
As we start to slowly emerge from lockdown and see a desire to return to ‘normal’, there is increasing concern around the impact lockdown has had on older people’s physical and mental health and how this may impact their ability to re-engage with society.
Age UK has released a report on the impact of COVID-19 on older people’s mental and physical health. The report noted that older people with pre-existing mental health conditions have seen an increase in the severity of their symptoms, while many others are struggling for the first time. A recent study carried out by the King's Fund states that there is a significant gap in mental health services for older people who are often poorly served – an issue which this fund hopes to tackle.
Over the last 18 months, older people across the region have been telling us that it has been difficult dealing with the effects of the Pandemic on them and their families. The aim of our charitable giving is to improve the quality of life of older people and I believe that this fund can be used to improve peoples’ mental health. We also know that there are fantastic charities and community groups who have supported older people through these difficult times and will have ideas on how best to improve their mental wellbeing.
Mental Health and Older People Fund 2021
The St Monica Trust will be providing funding for at least five organisations for up to £45,000 each over an 18-month period. The aim is to fund projects that reach the most vulnerable older people living in Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.
They are looking for projects that address inequalities, support, and empower older people to understand their mental health issues and to improve their overall quality of life. Priority will be given to bids that empower older people and have strong and direct input from older people into the shaping of the project.
How to apply
The Community Impact Team are keen to hear from local organisations who would benefit from receiving this funding which will be provided with a set time frame of 18 months. This is to support enough time to establish a project with a target of 12 months+ of actual delivery.
Organisations can apply for the funding by downloading an application form and sending it via email to charitableimpact@stmonicatrust.org.uk by the closing date of midday on Friday, 13 August 2021.
To support your application, please read our application guidelines and monitoring impact overview.
Supporting the local community
Since being founded in 1920, St Monica Trust has always been committed to supporting individuals outside of its retirement communities and care homes, helping to tackle issues that affect the lives of older people in Bristol and the surrounding area.
In 2021, Charitable Impact will distribute a total of £772,000 to individuals, families and organisations across the region and the Trust is committed to increasing its giving over the next few years.
If you have any questions regarding the Mental Health and Older People Fund, please contact charitableimpact@stmonicatrust.org.uk