LEEDS Hospitals Charity has announced the opportunity for organisations in West Yorkshire and Harrogate to apply for Stage 2 funding from NHS Charities Together (NHS CT).

The Stage 2 funding opportunity will mainly be targeted towards reducing inequalities for those disproportionately affected by the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19. Leeds Hospitals Charity will manage and oversee the opportunity on behalf of both NHS member charities across the region and NHS CT.

The West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership (WY&H HCP) has been allocated £1,158,385 for the stage 2 funding. The funding panel will work to identify different population groups across the area where this funding could have the biggest impact based on population figures from the Integrated Care System (ICS).

Community groups, charities, social enterprises and other charitable organisations from the third sector can all apply, and it is hoped that the funding opportunity will enable new and innovative health partnerships.

Examples of potential projects could be managing the transition of the elderly from hospital to home, mental health support, helping vulnerable community members or communities regain their confidence following significant periods of isolation. They may also be projects that support early help, reduce health inequalities, or focus on preventing ill health, focusing on diversity and reaching all communities.

Recognising the role of voluntary community and social enterprises (VCSE) and the wonderful work they do in all communities, Hilary Thompson, Chair of Third Sector Leaders Kirklees and Senior Responsible Officer for WY&H HCP, Harnessing the Power of Communities, said:

“There has been unbelievable community spirit throughout WY&H to help others, and I’m delighted that these funds are being made available to the VCSE working in partnership with health to continue to do what they do best – helping, caring and supporting people in local neighbourhoods and communities. I urge you all to come forward and apply if you meet the aims of the fund and most importantly, can carry on the valuable work you all do.”

Since the start of the pandemic national charity NHS Charities Together has distributed over £50 million of grant funding to its NHS member charities as part of the Stage 1 funding round. NHS trusts have benefited enormously from the availability of additional funds to support patients and staff across the UK.

Full details of the grant funding opportunity, including the criteria, are available with the application form at: https://www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/nhs-charities-together.

To speak to someone directly, please contact Reshmi Sarkar at: Reshmi.sarkar@leedshospitalscharity.org.uk.

The deadline to apply is 5:00pm on Monday 15th March.