CASH boosts of up to £15,000 are being made available for projects that help to prevent suicides and reduce self-harm in high risk groups.

Groups and organisations have until Monday, September 7 to apply for a share of the Suicide Prevention Fund, launched by the Sussex Health and Care Partnership – made up of local councils and health services.

The fund launched earlier this year with the first round of funding in May aimed at initiatives addressing the impact of the Covid-19 crisis and restrictions put in place.

The second round of funding, a total of £125,000, will support projects that aim to reduce the number of suicides in all high risk groups identified in the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, including middle-aged men, and reduce instances of self-harm.

Darrell Gale, Director of East Sussex Public Health, said: “This fund will help deliver potentially life-saving projects that may not have been possible without financial support, and we were delighted to have already been able to award £24,308 to projects across Sussex earlier this summer.

“We know that there are even more projects out there that do great work and could benefit greatly from some financial support, or that need a little help to get started.

“Whether they are new projects or initiatives that can be expanded to help even more people, we want to hear from organisations and groups who focus support on those people in the high-risk categories.”

Grants of between £1,000 and £15,000 will be considered.

All applications will be reviewed by a panel which includes representatives from member organisations of the Sussex Health and Care Partnership and someone with experience of a suicide attempt, suicidal thoughts and feeling, or a suicide loss.

Funding can only be given to constituted groups.  Voluntary Action in East Sussex, West Sussex or Brighton & Hove can give details of how to set up a constituted group.

To submit a bid, discuss an application or access support to develop a bid, contact Libby Hill at libby.hill@eastsussex.gov.uk Bids for the second round of funding must be received by Monday, September 7.