Mind Matters Grantmaking Programme 2024

Context

Waiting lists for mental health services in Northern Ireland have not significantly improved in the 18 months since LFT publicised its previous call for Mind Matters applications.

The number of people waiting to access mental health services continues to increase to unacceptable levels. Latest figures, for December 2023, record a total of just over 17,500 people awaiting a first mental health appointment. Within this, psychological therapies represent a disproportionate share, with around 6,500 people waiting to access services. Alongside this, performance against waiting time targets has also continued to deteriorate. Around three-quarters of those on psychological therapies waiting lists, as of December 2023 (almost 5,000 people), had been waiting longer than the 13-week target time.

The detrimental effects of waiting times, uncertainty and a lack of support, are many: reduced functioning, prolonged emotional distress, exacerbation of existing symptoms and poorer outcomes with greater drop-out and disengagement across a range of domains.

Whilst it is apparent that long-term reform of the entire healthcare system is required, in the short term LFT recognises that local charitable organisations providing these services are struggling to cope with demand and the increase in referrals of people who are in current significant distress.

About Us

LFT Charitable Trust is a Belfast based family foundation offering small grants and support.

Our priority is to fund partner organisations which make a lasting difference to people’s lives; focus on reducing isolation, inequality and stigma; and inspire and empower individuals to realise their potential and share in the life of the whole community.

Objective of the Mind Matters Grantmaking Programme

The aim of this LFT Grant making Programme is to support charities to temporarily increase their capacity to offer counselling and other psychological therapies and expedite care to adults on their waiting lists.

Application Process

Applications are welcomed from grassroots, locally based community organisations that address a range of mental health issues: trauma, suicide, addiction, victims, bereavement, anxiety and depression.

Organisations applying MUST have the ability to increase capacity within a very short time frame and sustain this level of activity for the period of the grant (maximum 6 months) without adversely impacting their organisation.

Applicants should recognise the main aim of this funding is to accelerate access to counselling and other psychological therapies for adults.

Applications for grants of up to £5,000 are invited. Only expenditure incurred for the purposes of the project and that can be directly attributed to the expected outputs/outcomes will be eligible.

As with all funders, it is likely that demand will exceed available funds and so this will be a competitive process. Criteria used to assess applications will include:

• Previous relevant experience
• Capacity levels
• Current waiting lists
• Number of beneficiaries anticipated
• Approach to evaluation
• Value for Money

To apply, applicants should download an application form here.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 12 noon Thursday 19^th December 2024

Applications should be made by email to grants@lftcharitabletrust.com

Eligibility

LFT welcomes applications from prospective Grant Partners meet the following criteria:-

• Registered charity in Northern Ireland
• Grassroots, local community-based organisations
• Proven track record providing counselling or other psychological therapies to adults aged 18+ in Northern Ireland
• Delivery must be to residents of NI
• Must have the ability to commence the proposed delivery within three months of a letter of offer i.e. no later than 1^st May 2025
• Must be able to deliver project in full within 6 months of start date
• This fund is for the identification of new grant partners only, current or previous LFT Grant Partners need not apply

Preference will be afforded to

1. Organisations that use validated tools for determining impact such as CORE-10, PHQ-9, GAD-7, WEMWBS etc
2. Organisations that demonstrate that counsellors/therapists engaged or employed on this initiative are registered with a professional regulating body such as BACP, UKCP or other professional standards authority for health and social care.

Reporting & Evaluation

LFT welcome the opportunity to visit the project during the delivery period and will seek an impact report from funded projects on completion of the project.

Enquiries at any stage of the application process are welcomed by the Secretariat. Grantmaking decisions are made by LFT Board of Trustees.