Welcome to Worcestershire County Council

Public Health Innovation Grant for Educational Settings

About the grant

In partnership with West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, the Public Health Team have been able to set aside funding to enable small grants to be made to schools (and other education settings) to support innovative mental health and wellbeing projects and prevent crime by increasing young people’s engagement in art, cultural activities, or physical activity. Grants can be used for a wide variety of purposes including improving physical health, such as sports, diet, and nutrition etc, or mental health and wellbeing, including arts, music, and mindfulness.

Increasing opportunities for young people to engage in such activities not only improves their mental health and wellbeing, but can also prevent crime by supporting young people with emotional resilience, addressing issues of emotional vulnerability, and developing social resistance skills. Physical activity related projects should aim to make such activity a habit and reduce anti-social behaviour or engagement with crime, alcohol and drugs. Initiatives may also include social norms projects and programmes that develop young peoples’ social and personal development. We are keen to see new and innovative ideas, thinking outside the box! Schools, colleges, and early years settings may bid for up to £3,000 via these schemes.

Larger grants are possible via a more detailed procurement process, but an exceptional need would need to be demonstrated. Projects should be in addition to school curriculum, focused on health and wellbeing, rather than educational outcomes. Only one-off funding can be granted at this time. Therefore, applicants should consider how they will ensure the sustainability of projects after the grant funding.

How to apply

As these are small grants, we are determined to keep this process simple in relation to the application and reporting process. Therefore, to access funding simply complete the form below. This asks you to describe your proposed project and how you will spend the funding. 

For more information

Physical Activity Wellbeing Grant

About the grant

To mark the opening of Kepax Bridge, we have set aside funding to support initiatives that enhance physical activity and active travel, encouraging participation from all members of our communities. We want to enable people to use local green spaces and infrastructure, like the Kepax Bridge, to be more active as part of their regular routines and within their community, connecting with others in a safe, healthy and social way.  Incorporating physical activity and active travel into our daily lives is essential for a healthier future. By embracing these practices, individuals can improve their health, contribute to environmental sustainability, and foster a more connected community.

What are we looking for in applications?

Projects and initiatives that enable people to be more physically active in their community. Grants can be used by voluntary or community sector groups to establish or maintain exercise groups or session (for example, walking groups or couch to 5k running programmes). This may include training members in fitness leader courses, buying equipment or promotion of exercise opportunities.  Community organisations (e.g., charities and Community Interest Companies) may bid for up to £3,000. Regular physical activity provides a foundation for a healthier and happier life. It helps prevent a variety of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, while also improving mental health, reducing stress, and boosting overall quality of life.  Active travel means getting about in a way that makes you physically active. It's all about walking, wheeling, cycling, scooting, or any other form of human-powered transportation to get from one place to another. The aim is to encourage people to incorporate more physical activity into their daily routines. The benefits are compelling: a healthier lifestyle, more liveable communities, and a cleaner environment.  We will be particularly interested in applications that focus on groups who face the biggest barriers against living an active life, including older adults and people with disabilities. The money cannot be used for infrastructure projects and is only one-off funding. Therefore, applicants must indicate how they will ensure the sustainability of projects after the grant funding has been utilised.

How to apply

As these are small grants, we are determined to keep this process simple.

To access funding simply complete the form below.

Apply for the Physical Activity Wellbeing Grant

This form asks you to describe your proposed project and how you will spend the funding. We aim to get back to you within two weeks with a decision. You can apply any time before the end of June 2025. 

For more information visit the webpage