Deadline: 06-Aug-2026
The Community Wellbeing and Mental Health Fund provides grants of up to £20,000 to community-based organisations delivering non-clinical mental health and wellbeing services for adults across Dorset, including Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. Funded by NHS Dorset and delivered by Community Action Network (CAN) in partnership with Dorset Community Foundation (DCF), the programme supports early intervention, resilience-building, recovery, and community-based mental health initiatives.
Overview of the Community Wellbeing and Mental Health Fund
The Community Wellbeing and Mental Health Fund is designed to strengthen community-based mental health support by funding organisations that deliver early intervention and wellbeing services for adults aged 18 years and over.
The programme focuses on non-clinical activities that help people improve their mental wellbeing, develop resilience, access community support, and manage mental health conditions in everyday life. It aims to strengthen local support networks and reduce reliance on crisis or specialist services through preventative, community-led approaches.
The fund is delivered by Community Action Network (CAN) in partnership with Dorset Community Foundation (DCF), with funding provided by NHS Dorset.
Funding Available
The programme offers two grant categories.
Established Activity Grants
- Funding of up to £20,000.
- Project duration of 18–24 months.
- Available for organisations that have delivered community activities for at least two years.
- Funding may support existing services, expansion, or adaptation to meet local needs.
Small Development Grants
- Funding of up to £5,000.
- Project duration of 12 months.
- Available for:
- Organisations operating for less than two years.
- Established organisations piloting innovative approaches or launching new services.
Funding Priorities
Projects should contribute to one or more of the following priorities:
- Early intervention for adult mental health.
- Community-based wellbeing services.
- Mental health prevention activities.
- Building resilience and coping skills.
- Supporting self-care and recovery.
- Helping individuals develop personal support strategies.
- Improving community participation.
- Reducing social isolation.
- Promoting independent living.
- Strengthening local wellbeing networks.
- Encouraging community engagement for people living with mental health conditions.
What Types of Activities Are Supported?
The fund supports community-led, non-clinical initiatives such as:
- Wellbeing activities.
- Mental health support groups.
- Community outreach programmes.
- Peer support initiatives.
- Resilience-building workshops.
- Recovery-focused programmes.
- Self-care education.
- Community participation activities.
- Local wellbeing services.
- Innovative pilot mental health projects.
- Expansion of successful community wellbeing programmes.
Projects should provide direct benefits to adults within local communities.
Key Concepts Explained
Early Intervention
Early intervention involves providing support before mental health challenges become severe, helping individuals maintain wellbeing and prevent crisis situations.
Community-Based Mental Health Support
Community-based support refers to non-clinical services delivered within local communities, making mental health assistance more accessible and reducing barriers to care.
Resilience
Resilience is the ability to adapt to life’s challenges, manage stress effectively, and recover from difficult experiences while maintaining mental wellbeing.
Recovery-Oriented Support
Recovery-focused services help people living with mental health conditions improve their quality of life, participate in their communities, and develop long-term wellbeing strategies.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered charities.
- Constituted community organisations.
- Voluntary organisations.
- Community Interest Companies (CICs) limited by guarantee.
- Companies limited by guarantee with clear social and not-for-profit objectives.
Applicants must also:
- Support adults aged 18 years and over.
- Operate within Dorset, including Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.
- Have at least three unrelated individuals responsible for governance.
- Have a written constitution or governing document.
- Hold an organisational bank account.
- Maintain safeguarding policies.
- Have Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) policies.
- Have an existing relationship with Access Wellbeing or demonstrate plans to build connections with Wellbeing Coordinators or Hub and Drop-in staff.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The programme does not fund:
- National charities.
- Schools.
- Public bodies carrying out statutory responsibilities.
- Animal welfare organisations.
- Religious promotion activities.
- Political campaigns or activities.
- Retrospective funding for completed work.
- Costs for items already purchased before grant approval.
Why This Fund Matters
The programme helps communities by:
- Improving adult mental wellbeing.
- Supporting prevention rather than crisis intervention.
- Increasing access to local mental health services.
- Reducing loneliness and isolation.
- Encouraging recovery and independence.
- Strengthening community resilience.
- Building sustainable local wellbeing networks.
How the Funding Works
Funding supports organisations delivering practical, community-based wellbeing services.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A clear mental health or wellbeing need.
- Community-based service delivery.
- Measurable benefits for adults.
- Appropriate governance and safeguarding.
- Connections with local wellbeing services.
- A realistic delivery and sustainability plan.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organisation meets the programme’s legal, governance, and geographical requirements.
Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Grant
Select:
- Up to £20,000 for established activities.
- Up to £5,000 for new organisations or pilot projects.
Step 3: Develop Your Project
Prepare a proposal explaining:
- The community need.
- Planned activities.
- Expected outcomes.
- How the project improves mental wellbeing.
- How participants will benefit.
Step 4: Demonstrate Local Connections
Show your existing relationship with Access Wellbeing or your plans to collaborate with local Wellbeing Coordinators or Hub staff.
Step 5: Prepare Supporting Documents
Include required governance documents, safeguarding policies, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, organisational details, and project budget.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application following the programme guidelines before the closing date.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on prevention and early intervention.
- Demonstrate clear community demand.
- Explain measurable wellbeing outcomes.
- Show strong safeguarding arrangements.
- Build partnerships with local wellbeing services.
- Present a realistic budget and delivery timeline.
- Highlight long-term community benefits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without the required governance documents.
- Requesting funding for completed activities.
- Proposing clinical healthcare services instead of community wellbeing support.
- Failing to explain community impact.
- Ignoring safeguarding or Equality, Diversity and Inclusion requirements.
- Applying without demonstrating local partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Community Wellbeing and Mental Health Fund?
Registered charities, community organisations, voluntary organisations, Community Interest Companies limited by guarantee, and companies limited by guarantee with clear not-for-profit objectives are eligible.
How much funding is available?
Eligible organisations may apply for:
- Up to £20,000 for established services.
- Up to £5,000 for pilot projects or newer organisations.
Who benefits from the funded projects?
Projects must support adults aged 18 years and above living across Dorset, including Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.
What types of projects are supported?
The programme funds non-clinical mental health and wellbeing activities, including early intervention, resilience-building, recovery support, peer support, and community wellbeing programmes.
Are clinical mental health services eligible?
No. The programme focuses on community-based, non-clinical wellbeing and mental health support.
Can national charities apply?
No. National charities are not eligible under this funding programme.
Why are links with Access Wellbeing important?
The programme encourages organisations to work closely with Access Wellbeing and local wellbeing teams to improve referrals, coordination, and access to community support services.
Conclusion
The Community Wellbeing and Mental Health Fund provides valuable support for community organisations delivering early intervention and non-clinical mental health services across Dorset. By investing in local wellbeing initiatives, resilience-building programmes, and recovery-focused activities, the fund helps strengthen community support systems, improve adult mental health, and create healthier, more connected communities through accessible and preventative care.
For more information, visit Dorset Community Foundation.
