The funding is part of a wider investment of £13million over the next two years to tackle health inequalities and reduce demand on health and social care.
The grants have been offered as part of the adult mental health prevention fund which provides help for people as soon as possible, reducing the need for more formal health or social care services. This supports people to become more independent from statutory services, particularly health care services, and in turn improves the well-being of the individual and their families.
Mental health describes a level of psychological well-being which can be affected by many things including issues such as drug or alcohol use, deprivation, social exclusion or physical health problems. There is a clear link between experiencing mental health problems and long term unemployment, poor physical health and demand for family support services.
The successful projects all provide services that meet these needs using social interventions and support as opposed to medical treatment.
These services are all available either at no cost or on a subsidised basis to people in Cumbria not currently supported through formal health or social care services. This can be done by either approaching the organisation direct or via referrals through GPs, health or social care teams.
Cllr James Airey, Cumbria County Council's Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: “Prevention is an integral part of social care in Cumbria. Targeted prevention can reduce the development and worsening of mental health conditions, enabling individuals to understand and self-manage their needs and encourage rehabilitation.“
“We’re delighted to be able to support these fantastic new projects and we are confident that they will have a significant and prolonged effect on the well-being of Cumbrian people.“
One of the successful applicants was Cruse Bereavement Care. Bereavement can have a profound effect on mental wellbeing and Cruse offer a free countywide service to help people address their grief, come to terms with their loss and regain control of their life.
Ken Bradford from Cruse said the county council funding would make a big difference: "It will enable us to provide more help to the people of Cumbria where and when it is most required. We have the opportunity to work co-operatively with many other organisations in ensuring that those who are bereaved receive the care and support that they need at a most difficult time in their lives."
Carlisle Eden Mind are another organisation to benefit from the fund. They have developed a range of services including a countywide training programme for suicide prevention.
Chris Wood, Chief Executive at Carlisle Eden Mind said: “The county council funding will help Carlisle Eden Mind to significantly expand the level of creative support we offer to local people experiencing mental health problems.
"We are particularly delighted that Cumbria County Council has decided to invest in suicide prevention training, which will enable us to empower over 1500 local frontline staff to better understand issues around suicide and to learn practical skills to support those who may be at risk of taking their own lives. This is an investment that has the very real capacity to save lives.”
On Wednesday 23 May, Cumbria County Council held a session for all of the successful applicants to offer them practical advice on how best to promote their services and encourage networking and exploring further joint working opportunities.