Brighter Lives
Benefact Trust
Let’s make a positive difference to mental health:
The pandemic has had a dramatic impact on people’s mental health. What was a huge problem across our communities is now a crisis, and support services are stretched like never before. ‘Brighter Lives’ is our new thematic grants programme. It’s focused on helping Christian organisations to respond to the long-term impact throughout society of Covid-19 on people’s mental health – whatever their faith, or none.
Running throughout 2022, this programme will help enable churches and Christian charities across the UK and Ireland to provide increased mental health support for people and communities most in need. How we’re responding to the mental health crisis The Brighter Lives programme covers three main project areas:
- Supporting existing or emerging specialist services provided by churches and Christian charities for people struggling with mental health issues. Focus is on the most vulnerable who may struggle to access support elsewhere. For example, counselling or similar therapeutic services, which could be delivered in-person, online or by phone.
- Enabling Christian organisations to train, equip and resource churches and Christian charities to provide: – enhanced mental health awareness and/or mental health first aid – appropriate mental health and wellbeing support groups and services.
Programmes to support the personal mental health and wellbeing of clergy and other church leaders/workers who may be suffering, particularly post-pandemic.
What we do fund:
Christian charities and churches in the UK and Ireland
The repair, restoration, protection and improvement of church buildings, cathedrals and other places of Christian worship
Projects based in disadvantaged areas
Churches and Christian charities who are making a positive impact on their communities
The preservation of sustainable heritage skills
What we don't fund:
Non-Christian charities
Projects overseas
Charities with political association
Projects that benefit only a small part of a community
Multiple applications from the same organisation in a 24-month period