Grants of up to £10,000 are now available to community-based organisations that are seeking to deliver activities to tackle health inequalities and the drivers of poor health in Solihull.
As part of an initiative developed by partners in the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System and Solihull’s Health and Well-being Board, the Solihull Fairer Futures Fund has launched a new small grant scheme to boost investment in Solihull and improve outcomes for those most in need.
Cllr Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader of Solihull Council and Chair of Solihull’s Health and Well-being Board explains: “We’re looking for innovative solutions to local issues – it’s an amazing opportunity to turn an idea into reality, engaging with residents to develop something with and for our most vulnerable communities.
“Applications should support at least one of our three local priorities: integrating services in the community, improving our approach to prevention and better support around mental health – from prevention through to crisis.
“Bidding organisations need to think creatively and collaboratively about how their project can make a real difference to closing the health gap and helping improve physical and mental health and well-being. Ideas could be simple or complex, big or small – but we are looking for innovation.
“I wholeheartedly encourage local groups and organisations to find out more and make an application via the Heart of England Community Foundation website.”
Paul Athey, Chief Finance Officer at NHS Birmingham and Solihull and executive lead for the Fairer Futures Fund said: “The Fairer Futures Fund is a £25.5 million programme across Birmingham and Solihull which will provide investment into individual, patient, community and clinically-led innovation across health and care in Birmingham and Solihull.
“We have launched the small grants scheme first as we know this is where we can make a meaningful impact quickly in communities or groups where it is needed most.
“Starting small will also provide valuable feedback on how the main funding is allocated and how we might scale up and adopt smaller projects across Birmingham and Solihull to bring a wider benefit.”
With expertise in community engagement and established links within voluntary sector organisations, Heart of England Community Foundation has been commissioned by Solihull Council to deliver the small grant scheme.
Tina Costello, CEO at Heart of England Community Foundation, said: “We are pleased our relationship with Solihull Council has continued to grow and enabled us to partner and support Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System to tackle health inequalities across Solihull through this crucial funding.”
Details of how to apply for the Solihull Fairer Futures Fund can be found on the Heart of England Community Foundation website.