VOLUNTARY and community organisations across Tameside are being encouraged to apply for a share of funding to help improve mental health support for families during pregnancy and the first two years of a child’s life.
The latest round of the Best Start for Life Community Fund is offering grants of up to £33,000 to Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations delivering services that strengthen the bond between parents and their babies and support families facing emotional or mental health challenges.
Funded by Tameside Council and supported by Action Together, the scheme is now in its sixth round and aims to improve access to support for parents, carers and young children across the borough.
Projects are being sought that tackle issues including perinatal mental health, reducing stigma, improving access to services through digital support, and helping parents build healthy relationships with their babies.
The fund also aims to encourage more inclusive support for fathers, co-parents, foster carers and families from diverse communities.
Funding is available through three grant levels, with micro-grants of up to £1,000, small grants of up to £11,000 and medium grants worth up to £33,000 over three years.
The funding could also help existing organisations expand their services by increasing opening times, improving accessibility or reaching more families in need.
Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Teresa Smith, said: “This is now our sixth round of funding which demonstrates just how vital mental health support for parents and the relationship they have with their babies is, which is key to a child’s development.
“We want to ensure as many parents as possible know where to turn in times of need. I encourage VCFSE groups who fit the criteria to apply for funding so we can reach communities right across Tameside.”
Applications for the latest funding round close at midday on Wednesday, August 5.
Organisations can find more information and apply through Action Together’s website.