Programme impact: Transforming Mental Health Grants

More than 500 people have been supported so far thanks to Transforming Mental Health Grants, a partnership between Leeds Community Foundation, Forum Central and the NHS Integrated Care Board for West Yorkshire.

The partnership aims to show the impact that grant funding can have on local community organisations and the people they work with, and to highlight the potential for further funding and wider system change. 

8 Leeds community organisations received a share of £111k in the first round of funding in 2023. They supported local people with complex health needs to live fulfilling lives, including supporting the wider determinants of health. These include housing, social connections, physical health and money. 

The projects have delivered a range of positive outcomes so far, supporting people 

• • • • to access mental health support where they might not otherwise, through the usual system 

• • • • through community-based interventions which improve health and wider social outcomes 

• • • • to participate, maintain and improve their wellbeing, using community assets and infrastructure 

• • • • to access the practical support needed (for example through the Household Support Fund) to ensure their engagement. 

As a result of the funded activities, 255 people said their mental health or wellbeing improved, 240 increased their self-esteem and confidence and 228 improved their self-care and self-management. 

Black Health Initiative used their grant to hire an experienced Mental Health Lead to mitigate inequalities within the Black community, with a focus on faith and religion, through their culturally informed counselling service based in Chapeltown. 

One of their clients said “Black Health Initiative has been a light in my darkest moments. I’ve found the strength to confront my inner struggles and embrace a path of healing. I’m grateful for the positive changes this journey has brought into my life.” 

Each of the 8 organisations were awarded extension funding to continue delivering their work to 2025. Additionally, a second round of Transforming Mental Health Grants awarded a further 16 organisations with funding to support the mental health of local people. You can read more about the grant awards here.