Time to Change Champions Fund applications have opened
As part of World Mental Health Day 2019, Time to Change Kingston has launched its Champions Fund – a £10,000 pot of money to help residents challenge mental health stigma in the community.
Time to Change Kingston was successful in its bid to become a funded Time to Change hub in March 2019 and is made up of the council, Healthwatch Kingston, Mind in Kingston and a number of other partner organisations. The hub aims to change the way we all think and act about mental health problems and is now providing funding to support this.
Those applying for funding must be a registered Time to Change Champion, be at least 18 years old, have experienced a mental health problem and plan to hold the event or activity in the Royal Borough of Kingston.
The funding will be used to start conversations about mental health and sharing real life stories helps to change the way people think and act about mental health problems.
A Time to Change Kingston spokesperson said:
“This is a great opportunity for residents who have experienced mental health problems to share their story and encourage people to talk more openly about mental health.
“When we talk to each other and establish common ground, prejudices and assumptions are often challenged and replaced with mutual understanding and respect. This can lead to changes in attitudes and behaviours and our campaign is proving that it is an incredibly effective way to reduce stigma and discrimination.”
The deadline to apply for the first round of funding is Sunday 10 November 2019, applications will be reviewed and funding awarded by the end of November. Future funding rounds will occur roughly every 2 months after that until August 2020 or when all the funding has been used.
To register as a Time to Change champion visit www.time-to-change.org.uk/get-involved
To apply for the Champions Fund:
1) Download the Champions Fund Application form here.
2) Download the Champions Fund Application guidance here.
3) Email persephone@healthwatchkingston.org.uk with your completed form or if you have any questions or would like to discuss your idea.
