As part of the Southport Recovery Programme Sefton CVS, in partnership with Sefton Council, have launched a new mental wellbeing and community cohesion fund for Voluntary, Community and Faith (VCF) sector organisations based in and supported residents of Southport.
The fund will provide small grants of up to £1,500 to support organisations and community groups in the delivery of new or additional mental health and emotional wellbeing focused activities.
Activities funded through the grant must;
- Support positive mental health and emotional wellbeing
AND address one or more of the following themes:
- Community Cohesion
- Inter-generational Activities
- Inter-faith Activities
- Inter-community Activities
Organisations and community groups must be delivering services directly to residents of Southport.
Who can apply?
The grant fund is open to:
- Registered charities, including charitable incorporated organisations (CIO’s)
- Constituted organisations and non-registered charities
- Community interest companies (CIC’s) limited by guarantee and community benefit organisations (where there is a minimum of three unrelated directors)
- Faith based groups
Organisations must be based in Southport and support local residents. Applicants are also required to demonstrate good governance, safeguarding policies, and financial accountability.
Who cannot apply?
The fund is not open to public sector bodies (e.g. NHS trusts), schools, private businesses, or projects linked to residential buildings. Funding will also not cover start-up costs, general building repairs, staffing, or ongoing running costs.
Supporting community resilience
Angela White, Chief Executive of Sefton CVS, said: “Small grants can make a big difference. This fund will support mental wellbeing, bring people together and strengthen community resilience.
“We’re delighted that Southport Recovery funding from Sefton Council can assist the voluntary, community and faith sectors to help the Southport community.”
Meet the Funder Session
Southport Voluntary, Community and Faith groups wanting to learn more about the fund can register to attend a Meet the Funder session taking place online on Wednesday 22nd October 2025, 10am-11am.
Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator for the Southport Together Community Support Service, Lauren Jones, will be running the session, providing an overview of the fund, including a breakdown of the criteria and will be able to support groups with any questions.
You can book your place here…
How to apply
Applications are now live. Full guidance, eligibility criteria, and application forms are available online on our dedicated webpage.
Visit; seftoncvs.org.uk/southport-together-mental-wellbeing-and-community-cohesion-small-grants-fund-2025
The deadline for applications is 5pm, Monday 3 November 2025
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