Young women in the UK face rising mental health challenges, and new funding aims to help. The Young Women in Mind 2026-2028 Grant Programme offers up to £500,000 to charities that provide therapeutic mental health support for girls and young women aged 14 to 25. This initiative comes from the Pilgrim Trust, Prudence Trust, and Julia Rausing Trust, who plan to invest £5 million over three years.
About the Young Women in Mind Programme
This programme responds to growing worries about mental health among young women. Many struggle to get timely care that fits their experiences. The trusts want to back charities that offer therapeutic services in community settings.
The funding helps these groups expand services, build stronger teams, adjust to higher demand, and make support more inclusive. It focuses on places where young women feel safe and trusted, like local centers.
Funding Details
Grants range from £200,000 to £500,000 over three years, from 2026 to 2028. This setup gives charities stable support to improve their work. Long-term money allows for better planning and growth.
What the Funding Covers
Charities can use the money for many needs. This includes costs for running projects, paying staff, hiring experts, advocacy work, learning from results, adapting services, and expanding programs. The goal is to create stronger mental health support.
Programme Focus Areas
The programme targets gender-specific therapy for girls and young women aged 14 to 25. These groups face unique issues from society, emotions, and structures. Charities must already offer these services and show how they help in real ways.
Geographic Eligibility
Organizations must work in certain areas: Northern Ireland, Scotland, North East England, North West England, Yorkshire and Humber, or the Midlands. Groups active across the UK or all of England can apply if their plans match these spots.
Target Age Group
Services must reach young people aged 14 to 25. Charities can serve other ages too, but the funded part needs to focus on girls and young women in this range.
Why This Funding Programme Matters
Mental health problems for young women are increasing, putting strain on local services. This programme invests in groups already helping in communities. It stresses early help, care tailored to gender, easy access through local spots, and steady funding for lasting change.
Key Principles of the Programme
The initiative values trauma-informed care, trust in communities, responses to gender needs, high-quality therapy, good long-term results, and ways to learn and check progress. Charities should read the official guides for full details.
Application Process
Start by checking the guidelines and taking the eligibility quiz. Then submit a stage one application. If selected, move to stage two. Make sure your group fits before applying.
Important Dates
The programme opened on 11 May 2026. Stage one deadline is 22 June 2026. Stage two ends 24 August 2026. Decisions come by late November 2026. Prepare early, as spots are limited.
For more details, visit the Pilgrim Trust page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Young Women in Mind 2026-2028 Grant Programme?
It is a funding initiative from the Pilgrim Trust, Prudence Trust, and Julia Rausing Trust that offers up to £500,000 to charities providing therapeutic mental health support for girls and young women aged 14 to 25.
What areas of the UK are eligible for the grants?
Organizations must work in Northern Ireland, Scotland, North East England, North West England, Yorkshire and Humber, or the Midlands.
How much funding is available and over what period?
Grants range from £200,000 to £500,000 over three years, from 2026 to 2028, to help charities expand and improve services.
What are the key dates for applications?
The programme opened on 11 May 2026, with stage one deadline on 22 June 2026 and stage two on 24 August 2026; decisions come by late November 2026.
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