Suicide Prevention Community Grants

About

Suicide Prevention Community Grants 2025/26 (West Sussex)

We’re offering one-off grants of up to £5,000 to support projects that improve mental health and help reduce the risk of suicide in West Sussex.

The county council’s public health team are issuing these grants because sadly suicide is a leading cause of premature death, with rates in West Sussex similar to the national average. Some people affected are less likely to access traditional health services, but may engage with community groups, sports clubs, and social organisations. We want to back practical, community-based ideas that meet people where they are and connect them to support earlier.

Who can apply

Your organisation must be one of the following: 

  • A voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE) organisation, or
  • A formally established, public bodies that deliver public or government services. 

You must deliver the project in West Sussex and support people aged 18 and over, with a focus on, those at higher risk (for example unemployment, financial stress, addiction, social isolation or people who are LGBT+). Charities must be registered with the Charity Commission. One application per organisation (joint bids are welcome but the combined request cannot exceed £5,000). You’ll also need suitable safeguarding arrangements, to adhere to WSCC Safeguarding Policies, and relevant insurance. 

What we’re looking for

Projects that: 

  • Engage people who are less likely to seek help from traditional services, especially higher-risk groups.
  • Reduce isolation and build protective factors such as social connection.
  • Equip volunteers and staff to recognise and respond to distress.
  • Strengthen links between communities and support services.
  • Test practical ideas so we can learn what works locally.

Examples of activities 

  • Wellbeing sessions delivered through sports or physical activity.
  • Social and leisure groups (for example walking groups).
  • Community activities such as football, gardening or local events.
  • Training for community leaders to recognise warning signs and signpost to help.
  • Peer support for people affected by unemployment, debt or substance misuse. 

What we can’t fund

We’re unable to fund projects for under-18s; clinical or crisis services, or counselling; core organisational running costs; “business as usual” staffing; applications from schools or private companies; projects outside West Sussex; or bids intended to benefit an individual. 

Please note clinical interventions, crisis services and counselling are out of scope for this grant.

How to apply

  1. Complete the short application form.
  2. Make sure it’s signed by an authorised person in your organisation.
  3. Email it to PublicHealth@westsussex.gov.uk by 23:59 on 12 January 2026. 

Eligible applications will be assessed by a panel. Because demand is likely to be high, funding isn’t guaranteed. We’ll email the outcome by the 24 February 2026. If you’re successful, we’ll send a grant agreement to sign; once returned (by 6 March 2026), funds will be released in March 2026.

Delivering your project and sharing results 

Successful projects will: 

  • Deliver activity between 25 March and the 29 May 2026).
  • Submit a short evaluation within 6 weeks of completion (latest 10 July 2026).
  • Provide at least one case study showing the difference the project made.
  • May be invited to a shared learning session to support the wider suicide prevention strategy. 

Questions? 
Email PublicHealth@westsussex.gov.uk for advice or support with your application. 

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