Deadline: 22-Jun-2026
The Young Women in Mind 2026–2028 funding programme is a collaborative initiative designed to improve access to therapeutic mental health services for girls and young women in the United Kingdom. It focuses on expanding high-quality, community-based mental health support that reflects the lived experiences and needs of young women. The programme aims to strengthen existing services rather than fund entirely new organisations.
Programme Objectives and Focus Areas
The programme prioritises improving mental health outcomes for young women by enhancing access to timely and appropriate care. Key focus areas include:
- Therapeutic mental health services for girls and young women
- Gender-specific mental health support approaches
- Early intervention and prevention of long-term mental health conditions
- Community-based and trusted local mental health services
- Strengthening and scaling existing mental health provision
- Supporting young women aged 14–25
- Improving access to timely care before conditions become severe
- Addressing worsening mental health outcomes among young women
- Expanding services in community and grassroots settings
Programme Background and Purpose
The Young Women in Mind initiative was established by the Pilgrim Trust, the Prudence Trust, and the Julia Rausing Trust. It responds to growing concerns about mental health challenges faced by young women and the lack of accessible, appropriate, and gender-sensitive therapeutic support services in the UK. The programme aims to ensure that support is available in safe, familiar, and community-based environments.
Funding Structure and Scale
- Total funding pool: £5 million (2026–2028)
- Number of expected grants: approximately 15 organisations
- Grant size range: £200,000 to £500,000
- Funding duration: 3-year programme period
- Focus: strengthening and scaling existing services
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants must meet strict organisational requirements:
- Must be a UK-registered charity
- Must have been operating for at least 3 years
- Must already deliver therapeutic mental health services
Additional eligibility pathways:
- Mental health charities with a youth-focused mission
- Must have annual income of £750,000 or more
- Specialist charities led by and for women and girls
- Must have clear mental health focus
- Must have experience working with under-18s
- Must have annual income of £350,000 or more
Geographic Eligibility
The programme supports organisations operating in specific UK regions:
- Northern Ireland
- Scotland
- Selected regions of England:
- North East
- North West
- Yorkshire and Humber
- Midlands
- UK-wide or England-wide organisations may apply for relevant regional activities
Why This Programme Matters
This funding programme addresses critical gaps in youth mental health services for girls and young women. It supports early intervention, reduces long-term mental health risks, and improves access to gender-sensitive therapeutic care. By focusing on community-based services, it ensures support is accessible, relevant, and responsive to real-world needs.
How the Programme Works
- Eligible charities identify existing mental health services to expand or strengthen
- Organisations develop proposals focused on scaling therapeutic support
- Applications are submitted to the funding consortium
- Approximately 15 organisations are selected
- Successful applicants receive multi-year funding support
- Services are implemented and expanded across eligible UK regions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying as an organisation without a UK charity registration
- Submitting proposals that do not focus on therapeutic mental health services
- Proposing new services instead of strengthening existing ones
- Not meeting minimum income thresholds
- Lack of focus on girls and young women aged 14–25
- Weak alignment with community-based service delivery
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly demonstrate existing therapeutic mental health delivery
- Show evidence of impact and service effectiveness
- Focus on scalable improvements to current programmes
- Highlight experience working with girls and young women
- Emphasise community-based and accessible service models
- Provide strong data on outcomes and need
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Young Women in Mind 2026–2028 programme?
- It is a funding initiative supporting mental health services for girls and young women in the UK
- It focuses on strengthening and expanding existing therapeutic services
- Who funds the programme?
- The Pilgrim Trust
- The Prudence Trust
- The Julia Rausing Trust
- How much funding is available?
- A total of £5 million over three years
- Grants range from £200,000 to £500,000 per organisation
- Who can apply?
- UK-registered charities operating for at least 3 years
- Organisations already delivering therapeutic mental health services
- Either mental health charities or specialist women-and-girls-led charities
- Which age group is targeted?
- Girls and young women aged 14–25
- Which regions are eligible?
- Northern Ireland
- Scotland
- Selected regions of England (North East, North West, Yorkshire and Humber, Midlands)
- UK-wide organisations may apply for relevant activities
Conclusion
The Young Women in Mind 2026–2028 funding programme strengthens mental health support for girls and young women across the UK by investing in established charities. It focuses on scaling effective therapeutic services, improving access to care, and ensuring early intervention in community-based settings to improve long-term mental health outcomes.
For more information, visit Pilgrim Trust.