Public Health small grants

North Tyneside Council is inviting applications for a Public Health Small Grant to deliver a targeted programme supporting vulnerable young people living primarily in Chirton and Meadow Well (NE29). The project will focus on improving health, wellbeing, resilience, and engagement through youth work approaches, early intervention, and strong partnership working.

This aligns with North Tyneside’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and the 'Equally Well' Health and Wellbeing Strategy, recognising the need for enhanced support for young people facing challenges including mental health issues, substance misuse, domestic or partner violence, physical inactivity, and social isolation.

Project aims

The Public Health team seeks to commission a project that will:

• Improve young people’s mental wellbeing, resilience, and self-esteem
• Address substance misuse harms (including drugs, alcohol, and new psychoactive substances)
• Support young people affected by domestic or partner violence
• Promote positive health behaviours relating to sexual health, physical activity, and healthy eating
• Engage young people through 1:1 support, group work, detached and outreach youth work, and educational interventions
• Deliver peer-led activity through a Health Champions approach, enabling trained young people to promote health messages and influence positive behaviour change
• Strengthen young people’s connection to community assets, education, and local services

Expected outcomes

The project should demonstrate improvements in:

• Mental wellbeing, confidence, and resilience
• Awareness and reduction of substance-related harms
• Positive health behaviours (nutrition, activity, sexual health)
• Engagement in education, employment, or training
• Safe relationships and reduced involvement in violence
• Participation in community-based support and activities

Service requirements

The provider must:

• Use youth work theory and practice to build trust with vulnerable young people
• Deliver flexible, needs-led provision including detached and outreach work
• Implement a Health Champions model
• Work with partners such as CAMHS, NTRP, PROPS NE, Connexions, schools, GP practices, Youth Offending Team, and VCS groups
• Support referral pathways, information sharing (in line with governance), and multi-agency collaboration
• Ensure safeguarding, risk assessments, insurance, workforce competence, and all required policies are in place

Monitoring and reporting

The council will expect:

• Six-monthly progress reports
• Anonymised case studies
• Digital media evidence of activities
• KPI and outcomes reporting
• Participation in governance meetings

Provider criteria

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Experience delivering youth-focused health or wellbeing programmes
• Strong partnership working in community or statutory settings
• Experience working with vulnerable young people
• Robust safeguarding and governance arrangements

Budget

The total project budget is £30,000 per annum. Applicants should provide a detailed breakdown of how the funding will be used over the three-year period. Please note that capital items are not eligible for funding.

Application process

We are excited to work with local charities and VCS organisations on this important initiative. To apply, please complete the application form and ensure your response covers:

• Your organisation’s relevant experience
• How you will deliver this project
• How your work would reduce health inequalities and achieve the outcomes outlined
• The difference your project would make to local families
• What makes your organisation unique

Submission details

Completed applications should be submitted by Monday 30 March 2026.

Timescales for the process are as follows:

• Advertisement: Thursday 12 March 2026
• Closing date: Monday 30 March 2026
• Selection process: shortlisted applicants may be invited to an informal discussion with the panel (either online or in person), dates TBC
• Delivery period: from 1 May 2026
• Grant end date: 30 April 2029

Selection process

A Public Health small grants panel will review applications. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an informal discussion.

While we will do our best, we may not be able to provide feedback to all applicants who are not shortlisted.

Contact

For any queries, please contact the Public Health small grants team at: PHsmallgrants@northtyneside.gov.uk