Applications open for MindMatters COI seed funding

Wednesday March 13th 2024

The Church of Ireland’s MindMatters COI mental health awareness project is underway for 2024.

This includes a new round of seed funding and an enhanced training programme, developed with the chair of the project, Bishop Pat Storey, and in partnership with the Representative Church Body.

You are encouraged to visit the project website or email the project team (Rebekah Fozzard and Eddie Hallissey) to find out more (see below).

The launch of this second round of seed funding builds on the success of the last three years, and particularly the inspiring seed funded projects. Applications will open on Monday April 8, with the closing date of Friday June 14.

The aim of this grant is to help projects promote and support positive mental health in unique and exciting ways. There will be two bands of funding available in this phase. Importantly, each application must sign to say that at least one member of the application team has attended the new online Mental Health Awareness training programme. This is a pre-condition to receiving funding.

It is also expected that projects will fall within the four core themes of the project: Connections, Mental Health and Faith, Stigma Reduction and Clergy Supports. For information, take a look at some of the round one Seed Funding Sample Projects.

Training: In April/May, June and September/November the project will be offering a wide range of training for clergy and church volunteers. This will range from online mental health awareness training, to training on ‘Building a Healthy Team and Dealing with Conflict’, ‘Stress and Resilience’ and ‘Preventing Burnout for Clergy and Volunteers.’

These programmes will be delivered by training partners, Action Mental Health and Clergy Support Trust (UK). Full details will be available on the website or from the project team: mhp@rcbcoi.org. The team will also be working closely with each diocese to share information about the training courses.

Mental health is an issue that affects people in every part of the community. Through this initiative the Church of Ireland is seeking to make its contribution to a community-wide commitment to promoting positive mental health.

Contact Details

Project Chair: Bishop Pat Storey, bishop@meath.anglican.org

Project Team: Rebekah Fozzard / Eddie Hallissey, mhp@rcbcoi.org / +353 1 4125660 / Church House, Rathmines, Dublin 6

Website: https://mindmatters.ireland.anglican.org