The Southwark Partnership Award provides funding for grassroots organisations delivering community-based activities that improve mental health, wellbeing and social connection across Southwark.
The programme is led by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) and forms part of a wider effort to strengthen collaboration between the NHS and local voluntary and community organisations.
About the Fund
The Partnership Award is part of the Southwark VCSE Community Co-Operative, a model designed to build a more coordinated and community-led mental health support system.
The fund aims to expand access to culturally relevant, inclusive and preventative mental health support, particularly for communities that face barriers to traditional services.
It focuses on early intervention, helping residents maintain wellbeing and reduce isolation before needs escalate.
How Much Funding Is Available
Organisations can apply for one of the following fixed grant amounts:
- £5,000
- £10,000
- £15,000
- £20,000
- £24,999
Funding is awarded annually over a 24-month delivery period, with a review after 12 months to inform continued funding.
What the Fund Supports
The programme funds community-led activities that:
- Promote mental health and wellbeing
- Reduce isolation and strengthen social connections
- Support culturally diverse and faith-based communities
- Provide inclusive, low-risk activities for residents
- Build stronger links between community groups and mental health services
Examples of eligible activities include:
- Creative arts, music and craft sessions
- Peer support groups and conversation circles
- Faith-based or culturally specific wellbeing activities
- Physical activity, movement or leisure groups
- Gardening, nature-based sessions or community meals
- Skills-building or educational workshops
Activities must be accessible to residents with low-level mental health needs and, where appropriate, linked to NHS Community Mental Health Centre (CMHC) services.
Geographic Focus
Projects must be delivered within Southwark, covering at least one of the following areas:
- Borough, Bermondsey & Rotherhithe
- Camberwell & Walworth
- Peckham & Nunhead
- Dulwich
Organisations must be locally based and embedded within the communities they serve.
Who Is Eligible
Eligible applicants include:
- Grassroots voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations
- Registered charities
- Community Interest Companies (with at least two directors)
- Not-for-profit companies (e.g. Companies Limited by Guarantee)
- Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) and Community Benefit Societies
The programme particularly encourages applications from:
- Black-led and Global Majority-led organisations
- Groups providing culturally specific or faith-informed support
Organisations must be community-led and able to demonstrate strong local connections.
Programme Requirements
By the start of delivery (expected July 2026), organisations must:
- Have appropriate safeguarding and governance in place
- Be able to deliver safe, inclusive activities
- Engage with NHS mental health teams where appropriate
SLaM provides induction, training and ongoing support to funded organisations.
Application Timeline
- Applications currently open
- Deadline: 8 May 2026 (5pm)
- Shortlisting: May 2026
- Interviews: June 2026
- Delivery start: From July/August 2026
Is This Right for Your Organisation
If your organisation delivers community-based wellbeing activities in Southwark — particularly those supporting diverse or underserved communities — this fund offers a strong opportunity.
It is especially suited to grassroots organisations that can engage local residents, reduce isolation and provide accessible mental health support in familiar community settings.
