Aims/priorities: The objective of the Fund is to reach the groups in England most affected by loneliness during COVID-19 with communications and engagement activity that will help reduce feelings of stigma and encourage people to take steps to help themselves and others.
Funding is for organisations to continue, adapt or expand existing activity that reaches groups at a higher risk of loneliness and supports the government’s loneliness objectives.
It can be used for:
- Developing content and resources to engage specific target audiences.
- Testing content with target audiences.
- Disseminating messaging directly through existing networks and channels.
- Research into target audiences to support future activity.
- Training community leaders or 'ambassadors' to deliver messages within their networks (for example, developing toolkits, running webinars, training events).
- Evaluation of activity delivered using this funding eg to determine reach, reception, outcome and impact.
All funded activities must take place in England by 31 March 2022.
Who can apply? The Fund is open to charitable, benevolent and philanthropic organisations from across England.
Organisations must have a track record of delivering effective communications and engagement activity at a national level and a proven reach and track record of engaging with one or more of the target groups:
- Young people aged 16-24.
- People with diagnosed mental health conditions.
- People living alone.
- People from lower income households.
- Unemployed people.
Grant amount: Grants of between £15,000 and £50,000 are available.
The value of the grant requested must not represent more than 50% of the applicant's annual income.
Application process: Guidance notes and an application form are available from the GOV.UK website. Completed applications should be submitted by email direct to the Tackling Loneliness Team.
Deadline: 13 October 2021 (noon).
Contact information: Tackling Loneliness Team - Tel 020 7211 6000, Email loneliness@dcms.gov.uk
Website address: www.gov.uk