Heads Up! Mental Health Fund
Applications Are Now Closed for 2025
YCF’s Heads Up! Mental Health Fund is designed to address the mental health crisis among children and young people. The fund also provides the opportunity for YCF members to strengthen the capacity of their own staff.
We know that youth workers and youth service providers are often at the coalface of youth mental health provision in Camden and beyond, especially as statutory services in this area face significant reductions—with a third of statutory mental health services reportedly undergoing cuts or closures. In response to this growing need, Young Camden Foundation remains steadfast in our commitment to bolstering our members' efforts in supporting young people’s mental health through our Heads Up! Mental Health Fund.
The Heads Up! Mental Health Fund aims to provide grants to member organisations delivering: play or youth work that supports the mental health of young participants.
The fund can also be used to support training and support for staff working with children and young people around mental health.
Please note, due to funder restrictions, priority will be given to YCF members serving the communities of Fortune Green, Frognal, Hamstead Town, Gospel Oak, Haverstock, Swiss Cottage, Belsize Park, Kilburn, South Hampstead and West Hampstead.
If you have any questions, please contact grants@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk
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Organisation eligibility
This fund is open to YCF full members and affiliate members. Applicants must be either a registered charity or a Community Interest Company (CIC) that is Limited by Guarantee. They must be working with young people who either live, go to school, or work in the borough, and we expect the work to be delivered in Camden. Those members who are not based in the borough will be expected to:
- Show evidence of an agreement with the venue they intend to deliver in, such as an invoice for a hired venue, a letter of partnership with a venue, or an email confirming the use of the venue if the application is successful. This is not an exhaustive list – please contact grants@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk if you require support with this.
- Explain how they will recruit young people who live, go to school, or work in Camden.
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If you are not a member and would like to apply for a grant, you will need to submit a membership request. Only once this process has been completed and your membership has been approved should you complete and submit an application for funding.
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How much can you apply for?
Organisations can apply for up to £3,500.
The grant must be spent within the grant period outlined under 'Timeframe'.
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What can you apply for?
Applicants may apply for project funding and/or for staff training.
Funding will be considered for the following purposes (though this is not an exhaustive list so do get in touch if you have any questions):
- Youth or play worker wages @ at least London Living Wage
- Food and meal provision for participating children and young people during the delivery of the above
- The commissioning and delivery of education, workshops or trainings for young people
- Course fees for youth or play workers looking to gain a qualification or education in mental health care or first aid
- Resources that support the delivery of the project
- Admission and tickets costs for relevant excursions and off-site visits
- Costs for transport (either coach or public transport) to said excursions and off-site visits, where reasonable
- Costs for staff time carrying out research, planning, data collection and reporting (up to 15% of total requested amount)
- Funding to cover mental health training for staff or regular volunteers
- Cost of staff time to attend training sessions
We will not be able to fund:
- Core costs beyond what is described above
- Regular youth work or play provision that your organisation delivers normally and would continue to deliver regardless of this funding
- Venue hire costs except where needed for the delivery of work
- Training on topics that are not mental health-related
- Training for staff or volunteers that you do not already regularly work with
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2025 - 2026 Timeframe
- Application Window Opens: Wednesday 25th June 2025
- Virtual Grant Fund Q&A Webinar: Wednesday 9th July 2025
- Application Window Closes: Sunday 20th July 2025
- Decision Communicated: W/C Monday 11th August 2025
- Grant period: Friday 18th August 2025 - Friday 31st July 2026
- Reporting Deadline: Monday 31st August 2026
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What are the reporting requirements?
We require all grantees to submit a monitoring and evaluation form by a deadline which is outlined on grant agreements, as well as under the 'Timeframe' tab above (once confirmed).
The deadline for submitting monitoring and evaluation forms is typically within the first month after the grant period has ended. it is essential that all grantees meet the deadline.
Please note that some questions may be subject to change. All grant agreements include a URL link to the actual monitoring and evaluation form for each grant awarded.
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Grants panel considerations
When reviewing applications, the grants panel will be asked to consider the following criteria, and applicants may wish to take this into account when writing their application.
- Is the project clearly defined and well-thought-out?
- Are the objectives and outcomes clearly stated?
- How well does the project address the mental health needs of the participants?
- Does the project have the potential to improve participants' mental health, confidence, and/or self-esteem?
- Does the project introduce innovative or creative approaches to supporting mental health?
- How unique or original is the project compared to existing initiatives?
- Are there clear strategies for ensuring participation and retention of participants?
- How will the project create lasting positive impacts for the participants and the community?
- Is the budget detailed and justified?
- Are the costs reasonable and aligned with the project’s objectives?
- Does the project provide good value for money?
- Does the organisation demonstrate the capacity to manage and deliver the proposed project effectively?
- Does the project ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all intended participants?
- Are there specific measures to reach and support underrepresented or vulnerable groups?
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Budget submissions
All grant applicants must use our custom budget template spreadsheet. If suitably required, applicants can add new lines to the table.
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Application formats
We recognise and respect that written applications are not suitable for every individual. Therefore, if you would prefer to submit your application via video format, please e-mail grants@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk and we will share a guidance document with you.
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Q&A Webinar
We will be hosting a webinar to provide more information on the fund and answer questions from interested applicants.
This session will be recorded and accessible to watch afterwards.
To request a copy of the recording, please e-mail grants@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk.
Farah was an incredibly kind and open therapist that allowed me to take my first few steps in therapy work. Before her, I was fearful and anxious about starting this piece of short-term work but after the first two meetings, I felt at ease and held in our sessions.”
Thank you to Hampstead Wells & Campden Trust and Derwent London for contributing to the 2025 funding pot.
And thank you to Shaftesbury Capital, Derwent London, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, John Lyons Charity and Camden Council for contributing to this fund in previous years.
