The Comic Relief and UK aid are inviting proposals aimed at mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities in Kenya.
“This call for proposals is aimed at organisations working to ensure people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities can access the support they need, and feel empowered to speak out and able to live free from stigma and discrimination,” reads part of the funding opportunity which will be available for a minimum of 24 months to a maximum of 42 months.
“We will fund investments from £100,000 up to £750,000,” it adds.
Applications must be led by organisations originating in Kenya. Applications from organisations working in partnership with others, especially with representative groups, are welcomed.
In Kenya, the total mental health expenditure per person is just over Ksh 3 (Mental Health Atlas 2017); and there are only 0.19 mental health workers per 100,000 population (Mental Health Atlas, 2017).
However, the Kenya Mental Health Policy was updated in 2015 and the Government of Kenya is committed to increasing the budgetary allocation to mental health services in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.
According to the Comic Relief and UK aid the proposals should at least focus on how to:
Tackle stigma and discrimination associated with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities and improve access to quality mental health services in line with human rights approach, for people living with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities.
The funding is part of the Global Mental Health’s four priority issues under Comic Relief’s funding strategy. Under DFID’s Disability Inclusion Strategy, supporting people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities has been highlighted for special focus.
