People in Mind Community Wellbeing Fund supports 20 Cornwall organisations to deliver community mental health projects

The People in Mind Community Wellbeing FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions. has awarded £178,542 to 20 community organisations across Cornwall, continuing its commitment to supporting people most at risk of poor mental health and suicide.

Now in its third year, the fund continues to support voluntary, community, and social enterpriseA business that uses commercial strategies to improve social, environmental, and financial well-being. (VCSE) organisations delivering vital, community-based support. These projectsA piece of work that delivers an output. reflect the strength and diversity of Cornwall’s voluntary sector, ranging from peer support groups and mentoring to creative workshops and wellbeing events. 

Many of the funded projects will work with people who might otherwise struggle to access help, particularly in North and East Cornwall and the Lizard. This year’s portfolio also reflects a wide range of communities and experiences, including young people, young men, farming and fishing families, care leavers, and trans and non-binary individuals. Encouragingly, several organisations are also placing a stronger focus on supporting neurodivergent people, highlighting a growing awareness of unmet need across Cornwall. 
 
This year’s fund also saw an increase in applications, reflecting the growing need for funding to support accessible, community-based mental health provision across Cornwall. To help address the ongoing pressure of short-term‑ funding cycles in the VCSE sector, applicants could apply for multi‑year funding for the first time in the lifespan of the People in Mind programme. This new approach has enabled nine organisations to secure three consecutive years of funding, enabling greater stability, continuity for participants, and more sustainable service delivery. 

An estimated 2,485 people are expected to benefit from this third year of funding, as the programme continues to support people earlier and help prevent mental health challenges from escalating into crisis. 

Infographic taken from the Community Wellbeing Fund Distribution Yr3 report, produced by CCF

Alongside this new funding, we are also sharing the Year 2 Impact Report for the People in Mind Community Wellbeing Fund, which highlights the breadth and value of VCSE-led mental health and suicide prevention support across Cornwall. 

Last year, 2,214 people were supported through 16 projects, with activities ranging from support groups and wellbeing workshops to arts-based and nature-based interventions. The Year 2 impact findings show the real and measurable difference community led mental health projects are having in people’s lives across Cornwall.

Infographic taken from the Community Wellbeing Fund Impact report for Year 2, produced by CCF

Behind these numbers are organisations delivering trusted, community-based support to people who might otherwise go without help, highlighting the real and lasting impact of this investment. 

Emma Rowse, CEO of Cornwall VSF said: “I am delighted to have awarded grants for a third year to charities delivering vital mental health support across Cornwall. I’m proud that our decision to allocate 10% of People in Mind funding to the Community Wellbeing Fund is now helping to provide longer-term stability for organisations, allowing them to plan ahead and continue making a meaningful difference to thousands of people across Cornwall.” 

Sophie Griffiths, Programme Director at CCF, said: “We are incredibly proud to be able to distribute funds like these across Cornwall, enabling local groups to strengthen their services, build resilience, and create lasting impact for people experiencing mental health challenges. It is a privilege to work alongside generous donors and community partners to ensure that funding reaches those who need it most, helping to improve lives and support stronger, healthier, and more connected communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

The People in Mind Community Wellbeing Fund is part of the wider People in Mind programme, coordinated by Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum (VSF). Funding is provided by Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Public Health, and distributed by Cornwall Community Foundation (CCF).
 
Read the full reports here.