Suicide Prevention Community Grants
About
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 is offering these grants because suicide is a leading cause of premature death. Rates in West Sussex are similar to the national average. Some people who are affected are less likely to use traditional health services, but may take part in community groups, sports clubs and social organisations. We want to support practical, community-based ideas that meet people where they are and connect them to support earlier.
At a glance
- Grant amount: Up to £5,000.
- Apply: 9 December 2025 to 12 January 2026 (23:59).
- Panel assessment: 26 January 2026 to 6 February 2026.
- Decision emails: 24 February 2026.
- Grant agreement returned by: 6 March 2026.
- Funds released: March 2026.
- Deliver your project: March to May 2026.
- Evaluation due: Within 6 weeks of your project ending (latest 30 July 2026).
Who can apply
Your organisation must be one of the following:
- A voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE) organisation, or
- A formally established public body that delivers public or government services.
You must deliver the project in West Sussex and support people aged 18 or 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.
You can submit one application per organisation. Joint bids are welcome, but the combined request cannot exceed £5,000.
You’ll also need:
- Suitable safeguarding arrangements (in line with WSCC safeguarding policies)
- Relevant insurance
What we’re after
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.
- Help volunteers and staff 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, including counselling
- Core organisational running costs
- “Business as usual” staffing
- Applications from schools or private companies
- Projects outside West Sussex
- Bids intended to benefit an individual
Please note: clinical interventions, crisis services and counselling are out of scope for this grant.
How to apply
Steps to apply:
- Complete the short application form.
- Make sure it’s signed by an authorised person in your organisation.
- 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 24 February 2026.
If you’re successful, we’ll send you a grant agreement to sign. Once it’s 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 2026 and 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.