Small grassroots organisations across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) will be able to apply for a share of the Mental Health & Wellbeing Partnership BSW Community Grants Fund, to improve local people’s mental health and wellbeing.
The fund has almost doubled from £50,000 to £94,000 from last year, meaning more local people will benefit from projects that help them connect, take part and improve their mental health and wellbeing.
This year’s programme offers grants of between £2,000 and £7,500, with one additional £10,000 award available in each of the three localities – Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW).
The fund is aimed particularly at smaller charities, community groups and other grassroots organisations that are often at the heart of their communities.
Projects could include arts and creative activities, physical activity groups, music projects, outdoor wellbeing programmes, bereavement support, cultural activities, safe spaces and other initiatives that help reduce isolation and improve wellbeing. Applications supporting marginalised communities are particularly encouraged.
Supporting nature-based wellbeing
One of last year’s successful recipients was EcoWild CIC, based in BaNES, which received a £5,000 grant to deliver nature-based wellbeing sessions combining mindfulness, movement and creativity for people experiencing mental or physical health challenges.
Emily Malik, Director of EcoWild CIC, said:
“We’re delighted to have the support of this BSW community grant to enable us to work in our beautiful living landscape with so many people who live locally and are struggling with physical or mental health. The complexity of these conditions is an often à heavy burden and coming together in supportive nature-based practices like mindfulness, movement and creativity offers a source of renewal, resilience and recovery.”
The grants programme builds on its first successful year, when 47 applications were received, and £50,000 was awarded to nine organisations across BSW.
Aileen Edwards, Chief Executive at Second Step, part of the Mental Health & Wellbeing Partnership said:
“The response to our first Community Grants programme showed just how much great work is already happening in local communities. This year’s fund is a welcome boost to small organisations doing immense work to improve mental health and wellbeing across the region.”
Applications open in early November
Applications for the new round open on 5 November 2026 for six weeks. Successful applicants will be notified in the Spring.
The Funding will be divided equally between Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.
For full details of the eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit www.second-step.co.uk/community-grants.