Local Charity reaches out to children across the North East (From The Northern Echo)

Local Charity reaches out to children across the North East

12:21pm Thursday 2nd February 2012 in Tyne & Wear Community News

Local leading charity, The Children’s Foundation, are hoping to make a difference this year by improving the lives of children suffering from mental health conditions in the North East.

Given that mental health issues affect one in ten children aged between 5 and 16, The Children’s Foundation are launching a £10,000 grant round directed at local children’s projects in the North East which work with children suffering from mental health conditions.

The Children’s Foundation believes that there is a vital need within the North East to provide interventions in areas of child health that are currently under represented, and therefore this year want to focus on mental health issues affecting children and young people, making small but effective improvements at a local level.

Charities and organisations can apply for grants of up to £1,000 to go towards funds for activities and projects which are geared towards helping children and their families who are affected by mental health issues.

The panel- who are due to meet in March 2012 to distribute the funds- hope to enhance public understanding of mental health conditions, and have a beneficial impact on communities as a whole, in areas such as employment, safety and crime reduction.

Despite the emphasis on mental health, The Children’s Foundation will still accept applications from charities supporting child safety, child disabilities and child exercise and obesity. To be considered, applications must be submitted by the 29th February 2012 to Kerry McCormack on Kerry.mccormack@nuth.nhs.uk or 0190-282-0893.

Based on information supplied by Kate Gilbertson.