As part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to improving perinatal and infant mental health, a Small Grants Fund will open for applications in May 2021 for third sector organisations and local groups that support the mental health of parents, carers, and infants.
The Small Grants Fund is aligned to the outcomes of the main Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Fund which is currently funding 16 organisations until March 2023. The smaller pot of funding will support local services that were not included in the main Fund but are making effective and innovative contributions to perinatal and infant mental health.
Inspiring Scotland is opening a consultation to determine priorities for this new fund. We want to understand how service provision and the need for this funding has changed for local groups supporting parents, carers, and infants since the development of the PIMH Fund and in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Feedback is welcomed from any groups with an interest in community based perinatal and infant mental health services.
Consultation is via an online survey and will close at the end of March.
The application process will open in May 2021. Small grants will be available to implement projects over 18 months, from October 2021 to March 2023. £200,000 will be available (£100,000 in each financial year) subject to annual spending review and the Scottish budget.
Minister for Mental Health Clare Haughey said:
“It is important that even during this challenging time that the mental health and emotional wellbeing of infants, their parents and carers isn’t forgotten. Infant mental health can often be overlooked in discussions about children’s mental health, but it’s vitally important in ensuring that children get the best possible start in life. Similarly, it is vital that there is support for parents and carers in the perinatal period.
“We are grateful to the organisations that continue provide support to infants and their families to develop and protect their mental health, supported by our Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Fund.
“These small grants will support services that were not included in the main Fund but are making significant and innovative contributions to perinatal and infant mental health within their local communities.”
Inspiring Scotland CEO Celia Tennant said:
“We are pleased to be working with the Scottish Government to support third sector and community organisations that provide vital support to parents, carers and infants in the important perinatal period and in infancy. We look forward to consulting on priorities for the Fund, taking into consideration the impact of the pandemic on new and expectant parents, and other emerging priorities.”
Your views
To take part in fund outcome consultation please visit https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6212779/PIMH-Small-grants-fund-consultation
Further information
If you have any questions on the fund, please email PIMHenquiries@inspiringscotland.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @PIMHFund
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