Funding applications open to support mental health in Tameside
News HomeMore from Tameside ReporterMental health support for families with children under two could be in line for financial support thanks to a new round of funding. The Best Start for Life Community Fund,. . .
News HomeMore from Tameside ReporterMental health support for families with children under two could be in line for financial support thanks to a new round of funding. The Best Start for Life Community Fund, provided by Tameside Council and supported by Action Together, helps groups providing services for families in pregnancy and the first two years of a child’s life. The latest round of funding is offering grants of up to £33,000 to Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) groups providing services in Tameside. Applications are being encouraged from VCFSE groups that help families facing challenges relating to experiences and relationships with their developing baby. Support can include:reducing stigma around perinatal mental healthreaching and empowering diverse communities with respect to culture, disability, gender and family structureinclusion of dads and co-parentsincreasing access through digital offerspromoting healthy parent-infant relationships, improve the emotional well-being of children and contribute to improved school readinessbuilding relationships with families to enable early identification of mental health issues and support accessibility to servicesThe grant may enable existing organisations to fill a gap such as expanding times or accessibility or reaching out to a wider range of care givers including foster carers, fathers and co-parents. Grants are split into three types - micro-grants of up to £1000, small grants of up to £11,000, and medium grants of up to £33,000 over three years. Tameside Council Executive Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Teresa Smith, said:“This is now our sixth round of funding which demonstrates just how vital mental health support for parents and the relationship they have with their babies is, which is key to a child’s development. “We want to ensure as many parents as possible know where to turn in times of need. I encourage VCFSE groups who fit the criteria to apply for funding so we can reach communities right across Tameside”Details about the grants available and how to apply can be found atwww. actiontogether. org. uk/best-start-life-community-fund-round-6. More from Tameside ReporterKids can travel free on Stagecoach buses throughout AugustFamilies across the region are being encouraged to make the most of the summer holidays thanks to a new scheme allowing children to travel free on Stagecoach buses throughout August. Tameside voters reminded to cast their vote in Mayoral electionWith the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Mayoral Election being held on Thursday, Tameside residents are being reminded of everything they need to know before polling day. From buses to big hearts, Inspector takes national awardLocal man Chris Liddle, an Inspector from Stagecoach, has been honoured with the top prize in the ‘We Support Communities’ category at the Stagecoach Excellence Awards 2026. The town centre roadworks dividing residentsThe centre of Stalybridge has been a maze of roadworks and blocked footpaths since February.