Survivors of Childhood Abuse Support fund open for applications
A fund to support survivors of childhood abuse is now open for applications from third sector organisations.
The new phase of the Scottish Government’s Survivors of Childhood Abuse Support (SOCAS) fund will invest in services supporting adults affected by childhood abuse, so they can enjoy a safe and healthy life, with improved wellbeing.
The purpose and overall aim of the fund is to support the recovery, resilience and wellbeing of survivors of abuse through counselling and psychological support, peer support or other survivor support services.
From today until Friday 3rd May, organisations can apply for grants up to £300,000. Inspiring Scotland will manage the application process on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Kaylie Allen, Director of Funds at Inspiring Scotland said, “The Survivors of Childhood Abuse Support fund provides vital help for survivors to enjoy a safe and healthy life with improved wellbeing and sense of safety.
“Helping people who are affected by trauma is at the heart of Inspiring Scotland’s strategy, so we welcome the continuation of the Scottish Government’s funding and look forward to supporting applicants through the application process.”
The last phase of the SOCAS fund saw £10m distributed to third sector organisations, supporting over 16,000 adult survivors of childhood abuse. An independent evaluation highlighted the value of funding to survivor organisations, and that survivors would like to see more support be available across Scotland.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said, “We want all survivors to be provided with services which allow them to lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
“This latest round of funding, up to £2.23 million per annum, builds on almost £10 million invested since establishing the Fund in 2020, and is designed to reduce the impact of the inequalities and disadvantages survivors often experience as a result of abuse.
“Our recently published Mental Health Strategy Delivery Plan outlines the importance of survivors having access to services which promote sustained recovery through person-centred, trauma-informed support and treatment – this funding will enable more people to get the help which is right for them.”
Find out more and apply at the SOCAS 2024 page.
Perinatal and Infant Mental Health fund open for applications
A fund to support perinatal infant mental health and parents is open for applications from third sector organisations and services.
Following on from work the Scottish Government’s previous Perinatal and Infant Mental Health fund, the new phase is open to third sector organisations who support babies, parents and carers affected by, or at risk, of perinatal and infant mental health issues in Scotland.
From today, organisations can apply for funding of up to £132,000 for the duration of the 18-month fund across the two financial years. Applications close Friday 3rd May at 12pm.
Kaylie Allen, Director of Funds at Inspiring Scotland said, “We are pleased to be managing the application process for the next 18 months of Scottish Government Perinatal and Infant Mental Health funding.
“We know from the last three years of managing the fund the extraordinary impact community-based peer, parenting and infant focussed support can make for babies, parents, and families. It is so important that we focus on the early years to give all children the best start in life.”
Research shows that an infant’s physical, cognitive and emotional development are essential in giving them the best start in life with more than one million new connections being formed every second in a baby’s growing brain. It is therefore a vital time for the whole family as mental ill health in the perinatal period has an impact on both mothers and fathers, with up to 20% of mothers and up to 10% of fathers affected at this crucial stage of life.
This funding will prioritise direct service delivery in the areas of peer support, parenting / infant support and counselling / psychological support. These areas of practice have shown to be effective through this fund to date and were highlighted as having the best evidence of effective third sector delivery in the Maternal Mental Health Research Briefing.??
Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said, “It is very important that all mothers and their families have access to good mental healthcare throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period.
“The third sector provides vital access to perinatal mental health support, and we are dedicated to supporting them to do so.
“This latest round of funding of up to £1.5 million, building on previous awards of over £2.8 million over four years, is designed to increase the provision of parenting and infant support, peer support and counselling or psychological support. The Fund will enable organisations to provide the services that women and their families need.”
To find out more or apply, visit the Perinatal and Infant Mental Health 2024 Fund page.