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A recent survey by the charity Mind revealed that one in six children and young people in the UK experienced mental health distress for the first time during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In response to these troubling findings, the Sirius Minerals Foundation has launched a £440,000 fund to provide long term support for children and young people with emotional health and wellbeing needs across the North Yorkshire coast.

The Foundation is funded by mining company Anglo American, the owners of Woodsmith Mine being built near Whitby with product processing on Teesside. We are aiming to help children and young people develop the tools they need to improve their ability to cope with all they’ve faced and with ongoing challenges.

The Foundation would like to hear from experienced organisations who are passionate about supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Single organisations can apply for grants of between £30,000 and £75,000. It will also welcome multiple organisations applying in partnership for a greater amount of funding.

Sirius Minerals Foundation Chief Executive Leah Swain said:

“We understand that the pandemic has had a devastating impact on many children and young people’s mental health and emotional well-being, due to the unprecedented levels of trauma and uncertainty they have faced over the last 18 months.

“As a result, many are struggling and lack the support they deserve to move forward positively with their lives. The trustees of the Sirius Minerals Foundation are absolutely committed to supporting the young people in our area and we hope this funding will make a real difference to those who need it.”

The Foundation’s trustees worked closely with a number of mental health professionals when putting together this funding round. Wendy Kelly of Public Health South Tees added:

“The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted significantly on the emotional health of children and young people.

“The regularity and routine of school and the familiarity of socialising with school friends, plus the fear of catching and communicating the virus has contributed to many children being unable to cope. This has manifested in a range of ways: loneliness, low mood and anxiety being some examples. There is an urgent need for further investment into support services and the Sirius Minerals Foundation grants programme will help to facilitate this.”

This grant round will close at 12pm on Monday January 24th, 2022.

For more information on how to apply click here.

If you are unsure if your idea for a grant meets the criteria, you can get in touch to discuss your application before you apply by calling Leah Swain on 07724 832982 or emailing grants@siriusmineralsfoundation.co.uk