NEW funding is being made available for projects that help improve the mental wellbeing of people across the district.

Bradford Council's public health team has launched a grants scheme, designed to support "new or emerging" areas of work tailored towards adults.

The team says funding will be awarded to projects that help people engage with a number of areas which evidence indicates provide a boost to mental wellbeing – connecting with others, being physically active, learning new skills, giving to other people and mindfulness.

Schemes are also being sought that improve people's access to green areas.

A spokesperson says: "Green spaces – such as parks, forests and those in urban areas – have been proven to improve health.

"The World Health Organisation has found that most types of green space have positive effects on overall mental health, quality of life and subjective wellbeing.

"The grants scheme will prioritise funding for projects that help people to engage with some, or all, of the five 'ways of wellbeing' and support access to green spaces."

Grants of between £500 and £10,000 are available to projects across the Bradford district.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, the council’s executive member for healthy people and places, says: "This is a great opportunity for groups to come forward and take advantage of the grant funding and make a difference, providing the support needed to improve mental health.

"We need more locality-based initiatives which are deep-rooted in the heart of communities, that people feel happy and safe to connect with."

Bradford Council says priority will be given to projects that work to improve the mental wellbeing of adults from four groups:

* Those who are lacking support. There will be a focus on those most in need and susceptible to poor wellbeing outcomes, as well as on low incomes.

* Those aged 18-plus who have been in care, or are from a looked-after background, at any stage in their life.

* Adults living with long-term conditions, who are bereaved, are having problems with relationships or struggling with addiction.

* Other people who may have poorer mental health outcomes and face additional support barriers – such as middle-aged men, BAME populations, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people living with a disability or those seeking asylum.

For further information about the grants scheme and how to apply, visit cnet.org.uk/projects/grants or email grants@cnet.org.uk.

The deadline for applications is noon on Friday, June 16.