Aims/priorities: The Innovation Fund aims to maximise the potential in the voluntary sector to develop innovative ways of addressing inequalities and poor sexual and/or reproductive health and HIV outcomes.
The 2021-22 round will support projects across sexual health, reproductive health and HIV, with particular interest in projects that aim to:
- Address inequalities in sexual and/or reproductive health and HIV
- Offer culturally competent ways of addressing poor sexual and/or reproductive health
- Address stigma associated with sexual and reproductive health and HIV
- Address the wider determinants of health behaviours that increase the risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition and/or unplanned pregnancy, such as mental health and drug and alcohol use
- Increase the integration of HIV and STI prevention into other areas of health promotion and service delivery
- Support the strengthening of pathways, access to services and those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
- Test and evaluate ways to promote and increase uptake of the full range of contraceptive options, particularly in communities where knowledge and use is below the England average
- Promote accurate impartial information on pregnancy choices
- Seek to address issues around digital exclusion and consider how technology can enhance outcomes in sexual and/or reproductive health and HIV, such as reaching those distanced from physical services and those living outside of metropolitan areas
There is particular interest in projects that address at least two out of the three domains: reproductive health, sexual health and HIV prevention.
Who can apply? Applications will only be accepted from charitable, voluntary sector and Community Interest Companies based and working in England. However, lead organisations may sub-contract or collaborate with other types of organisations. Applicants must get an endorsement from a local commissioning body responsible for reproductive health, sexual health and HIV (for example, local authority, integrated care system or clinical commissioning group).
Grant amount: Grants of between £30,000 and £60,000 are available. It is anticipated that a mix of larger and smaller projects will be funded.
Application process: Guidance notes, terms and conditions, and the electronic application form are available on the PHE website. A webinar about the funds will be available to view online after 23 July. There is a two stage application process. Organisations that are successful at stage one will be shortlisted and invited to give a short presentation followed by a question and answer session during one of two final online selection days.
Deadline: 5pm on 13 August 2021
Contact information: Email HIVSRH.innovation@phe.gov.uk
Website address: phe-events.org.uk