Local groups invited to bid for mental health support funding

Local NHS mental health and learning disabilities services provider Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) has handed over £600,000 to Voluntary Development Agencies across the Tees Valley.

The Agencies are now inviting local groups and organisations to submit bids for funding for their services which support people’s mental health where impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Services could include support for long COVID sufferers, for vulnerable groups affected by periods of lockdown, and for people whose mental health could be at risk due to COVID-related pressures such as bereavement, long-term health conditions, unemployment or furlough, and essential workers.

Jayne Finch, principal clinical psychologist at TEWV working as part of the Tees Valley resilience programme, said "The impact of the COVID pandemic on our mental health and emotional well-being is becoming increasingly evident.

"There are so many groups and organisations right at the heart of local communities across the Tees Valley whose services have a positive impact on people’s lives.

"This funding aims to support these groups and organisations to develop and enhance their services; to support local people in finding the right routes to improved mental health and well-being in the wake of the pandemic."

Information about how to bid for funding in the Tees Valley can be found at:

1. Darlington: Tees Valley Rural Action (for Darlington groups) - closing date 21 July
2. Stockton-on-Tees: Catalyst Stockton – closing date 20 July
3. Middlesbrough: Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency – information will be available on this link soon
4. Redcar: Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency – closing date 30 July
5. Hartlepool: Hartlepool Borough Council - closing date 23 July