To mark World Suicide Prevention Day today (10th September), Gloucestershire Suicide Prevention Partnership is announcing the launch of GloW (Gloucestershire Wellbeing) Community Grants.

Following funding from NHS England and NHS Improvement's national Suicide Prevention Transformation Programme, the grants will invest in community-based activities and projects that support individuals and groups in Gloucestershire to have better mental wellbeing.

The grants, which launch on 1 October 2020, will last for three years. Each year will have a budget of £50,000, with individual funding awards of up to £5,000.

The programme is designed to support initiatives that address the things that contribute to our mental wellbeing and help improve our mental health, for example social connections and networks, employment and financial security, physical health, and access to green spaces. The programme will focus on activities that promote good mental health and wellbeing, reduce isolation, and support the prevention of suicide and self harm in those most likely to be affected.

Applications are welcome from:

• Community or voluntary groups
• Registered charities
• Community interest companies
• Not for profit organisations
• Town and parish councils
• Sports groups, clubs and associations
• Religious groups where the application demonstrates that the project will bring wider community benefit

Examples of activities might include a post-natal depression support network, peer support for parents and carers, a hidden illnesses online forum, a 'Knit and Natter' club, Men's Shed (practical projects to pass on and learn new skills, and chat) and other hub activities that bring people together. The programme is particularly keen to hear about initiatives that will support groups or individuals that might be at higher risk of poor mental health. Full details, including information on how to apply, will be available on the website  from 1 October 2020.

Cllr Tim Harman, cabinet member for public health and communities, said: "Looking after our mental wellbeing is really important, particularly during this difficult time. I'm really pleased that we've been able to launch this new programme, which we hope will bring individuals and communities together to help improve mental wellbeing in the county.

"This World Suicide Prevention Day, I'd like to remind everyone that there is lots of help available if you, or someone you know, is struggling - please reach out for support if you need it."

Organisations such as Samaritans (call 116 123) and Shout (text SHOUT to 85258) offer free 24/7 support to anyone in distress or struggling to cope.

There are a number of resources available for anyone wanting to learn more about suicide prevention. Examples include:

Suicide - Let's Talk -  this free online training from Zero Suicide Alliance is open to everyone and only takes 20 minutes to complete. The training will teach you how to identify when someone is having suicidal thoughts or showing suicidal behaviour, to help them speak out in a supportive way, and to feel able to point the person towards the correct services or support. Since last World Suicide Prevention Day, 1,252 people in Gloucestershire have completed the training. You can find it here .

Real Talk About Suicide - this is an interactive film from Grassroots which helps guide the viewer as they make choices to support someone with suicidal thoughts and behaviours. The aim is to increase the skills and confidence of the viewer in responding to people at risk of suicide, and to provide links to further support. You can watch the film here .

Stay Alive - free app packed with useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else. It includes a safety plan, customisable reasons for living and a tool that allows you to store photos and memories that are important to you. Find out more here .

You can find out more about the Gloucestershire Suicide Prevention Partnership here . For a full list of mental health services available in the county, click here .