January 2026
Seven charitable organisations in York have been awarded a share of £250,000 over two years to further extend and build on the achievements of earlier transformation work, which has reshaped how local people access mental health support close to home.
The grant is part of the NHS Community Mental Health Transformation programme, delivered locally by the York Mental Health Partnership and the ‘Connecting Our City’ Partnership, of which the trust is a part of. Local voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) support and development charity York CVS has been commissioned to manage the grant distribution.
This is the second phase of the grant programme. It follows earlier funding in 2023 to deliver new ways of supporting adults experiencing serious mental ill‑health in York.
Supporting long-term ambitions
This additional funding strengthens York’s long‑term ambition to create a city where mental health support is local, accessible, co‑designed with communities, and rooted in trusted relationships. It sits alongside wider developments across the city, including co‑designed mental health hubs and multi‑agency support models. These have been influenced by successful international approaches, such as those built into York’s transformation learning programmes. This renewed investment ensures York remains at the forefront of community‑focused mental health innovation.
Leading the way
Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health at City of York Council, said: “York is leading the way nationally in community-focused mental health care. This funding programme ensures we remain at the forefront of delivering mental health support where it’s needed.
“Funding voluntary sector organisations through this programme reflects the fact that improving mental health requires a proactive and preventative citywide partnership approach. It’s a powerful investment in our communities’ and residents’ wellbeing by making mental health care more accessible and helping people to live happier, healthier lives.”
Putting people at the heart of the work
Brian Cranna, Director of Operations and Transformation at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, who provide local mental health services in York said: “The community mental health transformation programme takes a holistic, person-centred approach. It asks people what matters to them and supports them to live well and achieve their goals. Community and voluntary organisations play a vital role by offering activities, groups, and services that promote wellbeing. Investing in these local schemes ensures people have more options to support their mental health close to home.”
The 2026 Funded Projects
Following a competitive application process, the following seven organisations have been awarded grants of up to £40,000 each. This will support the delivery of new and expanded mental health and wellbeing support across York — mirroring the model used in previous transformation grants.
York Women’s Counselling Service – Trauma‑informed rural and weekend access
Expands trauma‑informed counselling with added weekend and rural access options,. This ensures women across York can receive specialist support when and where it’s most needed.
RAY (Refugee Action York) – Community mental health and wellbeing programme
Delivers culturally sensitive, community‑based support for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrant communities. This helps to reduce barriers to emotional wellbeing and strengthens social connections.
Mokkha CIC – Brighter futures: Putting a spark of hope back in HER programme
A women‑focused programme providing empowerment, confidence‑building, peer support, and early mental health intervention. Designed for those experiencing distress or social isolation.
Generate – Shaped by community – Trans mental health support in York
A mental health project for transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse adults. Offering tailored support through mentoring, counselling, advocacy, peer groups, and confidence-building. Guided by a Community Advisory Panel and designed to provide inclusive, trauma-informed care with flexible, accessible options.
Night‑Light Theatre CIC – Create-to-connect programme
A creative‑arts‑based wellbeing programme using theatre, storytelling and group expression to support adults experiencing mental ill‑health. The programme continues York’s strong evidence base for arts‑based recovery approaches.
York City Knights Foundation (T/A York RLFC Foundation) – Offload project
A structured, sport‑based mental wellbeing course offering facilitated sessions that help adults build resilience, manage stress, and access early support through a trusted local sports foundation.
MySight York (York Blind and Partially Sighted Society, CIO) – Talking space and community activities project
Provides accessible mental health and emotional‑support activities for blind and partially sighted adults. The projects helps to reduce isolation and ensure equitable access to wellbeing opportunities.
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Highlighting the vita role VCSE organisations play
Alison Semmence, Chief Executive, York CVS, comments: “We’re delighted to confirm funding for these innovative projects. It reflects the strength and creativity of York’s VCSE sector and continues York’s strategic investment in VCSE organisations, reflecting their proven role in improving mental health outcomes across the city.
“The quality and diversity of applications highlight the vital role these organisations play in supporting people living with serious mental ill-health in York. This further investment will build on the incredible work already happening across the city. It will also help us continue improving the lives of York residents by ensuring they can access the right support, in the right place, at the right time.”
Professor Lynne Gabriel OBE and Dr Steve Wright, York Mental Health Partnership Co-Chairs, adds: “It’s incredibly exciting to see the public promotion of the seven recipients of a Community Mental Health Transformation Grant. These organisations represent an important and diverse range of voluntary sector work that represents inclusive and community facing work in the city. The voluntary sector in York generates the beating heart of the city’s mental health and wellbeing support for citizens. A huge ‘well done’ to all of the grant recipients – and a big ‘thank you’ to York CVS for your hosting of the grants programme and ongoing support for the successful organisations.”
