Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention HOPE Fund 2025: Community Grants for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention HOPE Fund 2025: Community Grants for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Kent County Council, in collaboration with NHS Kent and Medway, has launched the HOPE Fund 2025 — a targeted funding opportunity aimed at preventing suicide and supporting vulnerable individuals across the region. This grant is specifically intended for community-based initiatives that can make a real difference to people’s mental health and wellbeing.

For charities, civil society organisations, and local NGOs working in mental health, this is an excellent opportunity to access dedicated NGO funding that empowers grassroots intervention.

Grant Summary

Supporting Local Mental Health Initiatives in Kent and Medway

The Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention HOPE Fund is designed to empower local organisations to deliver small-scale, impactful projects that address mental health challenges, particularly suicide prevention. The fund recognises that community-led responses are often the most effective in reaching vulnerable groups — especially men aged 35 to 64, those in financial hardship, and individuals facing isolation.

This is a powerful opportunity for smaller organisations and grassroots NGOs that are often overlooked in national funding schemes. If you’re looking for funds for NGOs to support direct mental health interventions in local communities, this fund offers timely and flexible support.

What Types of Projects Are Funded?

Projects should focus on one or more of the following themes:

• Reducing stigma and raising awareness around suicide and mental health
• Supporting individuals in distress through creative or community-based activities
• Promoting early intervention and access to support services
• Reaching underrepresented or high-risk groups
• Offering peer support or safe spaces for emotional wellbeing

Projects must be delivered between May and November 2025. While the fund is small in size, its emphasis is on creating measurable, community-based impact in a short timeframe.

Who Can Apply?

The HOPE Fund is open to:

• Registered charities and not-for-profits
• Community interest companies (CICs)
• Faith-based organisations, support groups, and grassroots mental health projects
• Voluntary organisations operating in Kent and Medway

Applicants must be based in or delivering services in Kent or Medway. Collaboration with NHS, local councils, or other community partners is encouraged but not required.

Funding Amount and Use

Organisations can apply for grants between £500 and £5,000. Funding can be used for project delivery costs, outreach activities, materials, staffing, and minor equipment where appropriate.

All projects must be completed by the end of November 2025 and will be required to submit a short evaluation outlining impact and outcomes.

Application Process

• Application deadline: May 6, 2025
• Applications must be submitted online via the Kent County Council grant portal
• Assessment will be based on impact, need, and deliverability

Full details and access to the application form can be found here:
👉 https://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/community-grants-and-funding/our-current-funding-opportunities/health-and-wellbeing-funding/kent-and-medway-suicide-prevention-hope-fund-2025

Final Thoughts

If your organisation is working on suicide prevention, emotional wellbeing, or mental health advocacy in Kent and Medway, the HOPE Fund is a straightforward and accessible way to secure financial support. While the grant amounts are modest, the impact can be significant — especially for targeted, hyper-local projects that larger funders often miss.

This is a great example of NGO grants designed with community realities in mind. If you’re looking for NGO funding that can go directly into meaningful grassroots action, don’t miss this deadline.