The Ideas Fund

The Ideas Fund

Connecting community with research to improve mental wellbeing

Connecting community with research to improve mental wellbeing

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What we do

Over two rounds of funding the Ideas Fund, administered by the British Science Association and co-ordinated by Developing Healthy Communities and the North West Community Network in Derry City & Strabane, supported fifteen innovative community and researcher partnerships to the tune of £772k within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area

The programme lives on in partnership with Ulster University in the work of the Community Research Collective. The group builds on learning from individual community projects that the Ideas Fund have already funded. The collective seeks to create systems which support community partners and university-based researchers' collaboration more effectively.

Grants to improve wellbeing

The Ideas Fund aimed to reach individuals and communities who have historically been underrepresented or overlooked in traditional research. By prioritizing rural areas, minority ethnic communities, young people, and marginalized or socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, the Fund looked to create inclusive pathways for mental wellbeing initiatives. This approach not only acknowledged the unique challenges these communities face but also valued their insights and lived experiences, allowing them to guide meaningful, relevant solutions.

Through grants and partnerships, The Ideas Fund empowered these communities to take an active role in addressing mental health challenges that matter most to them. By connecting local residents with research professionals, the Fund encouraged innovative collaborations that can bridge gaps in mental health support. Together, they workd to create accessible, community-driven solutions that have a lasting impact on wellbeing and resilience.

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Project Mission

Our Goals

The Ideas Fund aimed to empower communities by supporting innovative ideas that improve mental wellbeing. Connecting local residents with research professionals, it aimed to foster community-led solutions to mental health challenges, particularly in underrepresented groups.

Encourage community-driven innovation

Provide funding and support to help individuals and groups within the Derry & Strabane Council area develop and test ideas that address mental wellbeing challenges.

Foster collaborative research connections

Link community members with research professionals to facilitate knowledge sharing and create sustainable, evidence-based solutions that can positively impact mental health.

Reach underrepresented populations

Prioritize funding for initiatives that support marginalized, rural, minority ethnic, young, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, ensuring diverse voices are at the forefront of mental wellbeing innovation.

How We’ve Helped

Project Impact

15

Community and researcher partnerships

£722k

Funding provided within the Derry City & Strabane District Council area

2

Rounds of funding

Testimonials

Resources

Grants

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Community/Voluntary

Neighbourhood Health Improvement

Promotes health in six Neighbourhood Renewal Areas

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Community/Voluntary

Sports Group Grants

Closed for 2024 - Avail of training and receive up to £500 worth of relevant sports equipment for your club.

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Community/Voluntary

PHA Short Term Funding

Funding of up to £5,000 to improve mental health and wellbeing

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Resources

Training Programmes

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Blogs

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12/2024

The Ideas Fund

Showcasing community-research partnerships: Building bridges at the Guildhall

Connecting research and community: fostering innovation at the Guildhall

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09/2021

The Ideas Fund

Eight projects in the north west get £343k in Ideas Fund backing

Eight fantastic mental wellbeing projects in the north west will receive £343,000 from the British Science Association's Ideas Fund, we are proud to announce today.

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11/2023

The Ideas Fund

Ideas Fund research partnership unveils inspiring mural

Visualising the findings of an innovative piece of community research collaboration

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Resources