About the application process

Due to the high number of applications the Fund's Governance Group has taken the decision to pause the Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund (CMHRF) to new applications from 5pm on Wednesday 13th May.

Applications received after this date will not be considered. Any applications already received, or received before this date, will be assessed at the next two Investment Panels in the coming weeks. 

Applications received before the 24th April were assessed last week and decisions will be communicated by the end of the week.

Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund

Voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations have a vital role working alongside our NHS colleagues to support anyone who has a mental health problem.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, demand for mental health services is increasing.  

To help VCS organisations based in England continue to provide mental health services - or provide additional support - organisations can apply for a Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund (CMHRF) grant.

Thanks to £5m support from government (the Department of Health and Social Care), grants of £20,000 or £50,000 are available for projects lasting up to 12 months.

Support for smaller organisations or groups

As part of this funding programme, the National Survivor User Network (NSUN) will be administering a fund to support user-led organisations and smaller, unconstituted community organisations, who might not otherwise be eligible for a grant. Details will be available from Monday 20 April on the NSUN website.

The Mental Health Consortia

On the behalf of mental health providers in England, Mind is administering the £5m fund in partnership with the Mental Health Consortia, who represent the leading mental health organisations in England.

Mental Health Consortia includes representatives from the following:

• Association of Mental Health Providers
• Centre for Mental Health
• Mental Health Foundation
• Mind
• NSUN
• Rethink Mental Illness

Commenting on the new fund, Paul Farmer, Mind CEO, said:

"We're yet to fully understand the long-term impact that coronavirus will have on our mental health. But right now, many of us are struggling to cope through the lockdown period in isolation or without access those things that help us stay well. For anyone with a longstanding mental health problem this impact is unimaginable.

"We're really pleased that Government has recognised the vital role that voluntary sector mental health organisations have in working alongside NHS colleagues in the fight against coronavirus. And we're delighted to be working in partnership with other leading mental health organisations in England to ensure that this government money quickly reaches those organisations who urgently need it."　　　　　　

Kathy Roberts, CEO, Association of Mental Health Providers, said:　 

"The VCSE mental health sector continues to face many challenges in delivering services during Covid-19 and it is vital that providers working in the community are supported to enable them to continue delivering essential, life-saving support to vulnerable people who need it most.

"The £5m grant made available by the Department of Health and Social Care for the voluntary and community sector will provide much needed support to services and allow us to respond to the needs of people who need it the most in these anxious and unsettling times. We look forward to working with our mental health sector partners to continue to support the VCSE sector, and most importantly, those who rely on these services in the community."