Funding bids are now open to help improve mental health

Warwickshire County Council is pleased to announce that funding bids are now open for community asset organisations, including schools, to make physical improvements to their buildings to make environments more mental health friendly.

Research suggests that the physical environment can both positively and negatively impact upon our mental wellbeing. Making small changes to physical environments can make a big difference to the lives of people with mental health problems and positively impact on their overall experience of support.

Examples of positive changes to the environment include the following (this is not an exhaustive list):

• Making places light and airy
• The creation of quiet, private rooms / areas away from noisy areas e.g. chill-out and refocus room (this may include equipment for people to use in these areas)
• Including use of colour – muted tones are reported to be relaxing
• Creation and display of co-produced art
• Giving areas a homely design through the use of natural finishes, tactility and texture
• The creation of sensory rooms with items such as optic lamps, bubble tubes, scenic pictures, comfortable furniture, music, aromas, flavours and sensory objects
• Creating or developing green spaces
• Improved signage at venues to create a welcoming and non-stigmatising service entrance
• Quality and improvement of the environment

Applications are open until midday on 14 October.

To find out more information about the funding and how to apply, visit https://in-tendhost.co.uk/csw-jets/aspx/ProjectManage/8218