Ecominds newsletter 3 - June 2009

A Load of Old Rubbish

The Ecominds Promotions Coordinator, along with local MP Roberta Blackman Woods visited Finchale Training College last week to present them with a giant cheque worth £13, 250 for their innovative project to enter a garden at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show.

Ecominds flagship applications closed

We have had many fantastic flagship applications sent in to Ecominds. Choosing the fortunate 5 projects will be a huge task for the Grants Panel when they meet.

We are heavily subscribed for large and medium size applications also. It's brilliant to see the project ideas that groups are putting forward, and how keen everyone is to remove the stigma associated with mental distress.

Currently we are encouraging small applications - there is a lot you can do with a little bit of capital as Finchale Training College proves, above.

Running a non profit organisation

This interesting new website, set up by The Centre for Charity Effectiveness Trust at Cass CCE, with funding from the Big Lottery Fund, may be useful particularly for small or new organisations.

Do you want to speak out against mental health discrimination?

Mind's Open Up project is now open to applications for the Open Up Initiatives Scheme 2009. This innovative programme is for people with experience of mental health problems who want to set up projects that will raise awareness or challenge discrimination where they live.

Open Up selects 16 groups or individuals to become an Open Up Initiative (2 in each region of England) and works with them over a period of one year. The scheme helps the people to get their Initiatives up and running through providing an average of £2500 towards expenses - plus training, mentoring and promotions support.

In 2009 Open Up is looking for original ideas from people from a diverse range of backgrounds about how to challenge discrimination on a local level. You can download full details of the Open Up Initiatives Scheme from the Open Up website. If you would like support with your application please email ouinitiatives@mind.org.uk or telephone Mind on 020 8519 2122 and ask to speak to a member of the Open Up team.

Deadline for applications is 5pm on Saturday 15 August 2009. Applicants must be 18 and over. Open Up is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and is part of the Time to Change campaign.

Ecominds 'The Key' garden

Barry Watts, Ecominds Grants Manager, presented a key to Howard Jones, Director of Human Networks at the Eden Project for the Eden Project's 'The Key' garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The Key aims to increase awareness of homeless people and the causes of their exclusion. The garden is, in itself, a programme for inclusion, skills development and positive change.

If you have an event you'd like to let others know about, email info@ecominds.org.uk.

Summer reflection

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
~ Sir Winston Churchill