Falkirk organisations to be awarded funding to help tackle health inequalities

Interested organisations are being reminded to submit applications ahead of the summer deadline of Friday 17 June.

Organisations in Falkirk are being invited to apply for a new funding pot worth more than £772,000.

The new fund, launched by Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership, aims to help organisations widen access to community-based services in the Falkirk area which target health and social inequalities or improve health and wellbeing.

With funding available for the next two years, third sector organisations, community groups, and statutory bodies can apply for a maximum of £25,000 per year.

The Partnership is looking to fund projects which take creative approaches to addressing health inequalities and improving the wellbeing of people in Falkirk.

Applications for projects engaging with communities that may be less likely to access local services are encouraged. It is hoped that funding will be used to improve poor health outcomes within disadvantaged areas, and that projects will tackle a range of issues such as:

  • Improving the physical and mental health and wellbeing of people in Falkirk
  • Supporting vulnerable people to access help and care, particularly people who have been adversely by Covid 19
  • Enabling people who provide care for family members or loved ones to take a break from their caring role
  • Helping people to continue living in their own home and communities – whether that is through supporting the hospital discharge process, rehabilitation programmes, or general household support.

Patricia Cassidy, Chief Officer, Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership said: “Our colleagues in the third and voluntary sector deliver a vast range of care and support. Their efforts and innovative approach have always been valued by the people who access their support, but even more so during the pandemic.

“The launch of the Partnership’s new Health Inequalities and Wellbeing Fund will support local organisations to further development their services and support options, ultimately enriching the lives of people within our communities.”

Victoria McRae, Chief Executive, CVS Falkirk added: “Falkirk’s charities, social enterprises, and community groups have a strong history delivering projects which are making a lasting, valued, difference to the communities of Falkirk. I look forward to seeing the ideas and new services which flourish from this funding

“We know how creative the third sector can be, making them best placed to know what’s needed in our local communities.  This was true before the pandemic, but especially now, where we’ve all seen the impact on local people’s health and wellbeing, and the inequalities that already existed.”

With applications submitted prior to the spring deadline of Friday 15 April currently being reviewed, remaining interested organisations are being reminded to submit applications ahead of the summer deadline of Friday 17 June.

How to apply

Basic Eligibility Criteria

  • Funding can be used for a maximum of two years, from 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2024.
  • Organisations can apply for up to £25k per annum for the two-year period as fund is non-recurring.
  • We will accept proposals from community, third sector groups and statutory organisations.
  • Preference will be given to proposals that include match funding. This is required where services go beyond the scope of integration. Match funding can be direct (finance) or in-direct (existing staff and volunteer time).
  • We will accept proposals for 100% funding if activity is in-scope of integrated health and social care. For a list of in-scope services, see appendix within Integration Scheme.
  • Funding can be used to continue a project initially funded by short-term funds (as highlighted in Appendix 1), with evidence of good impact via evaluation.

Application Deadlines

The next application deadline is set for Friday 17 June, 2022.

Applications submitted ahead of the earlier Spring deadline, 15 April, are currently being reviewed.

Guidance and application form

Please review the application guidance document below and complete the application form, submitting your proposal and any supporting documents via email to: integration@falkirk.gov.uk.