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A new funding programme is being launched on World Suicide Prevention day – 10 September - to provide community projects in Leeds with grants of up to £25,000 to help reduce social isolation for men at risk of suicide.
The council’s Public Health team are working with Leeds Community Foundation to distribute a total of £70,000 annually, with grants of up to £25,000 towards projects promoting social activities and providing outreach work in communities where suicide risk is higher.
Cllr Rebecca Charlwood, Leeds City Council executive member for Adults and Health, said: “Each death by suicide is a tragedy. This new programme demonstrates our commitment to help tackle this important issue in Leeds. It focusses on improving the health of communities that need it most. It’s really good that we’ll be using best practice and innovative ideas to help reduce the number of suicides and attempted suicides in the city.”
The areas prioritised for funding are Inner South, Inner West and Inner East Leeds and Horsforth: areas with higher incidences of suicide. The programme is now open for applications from community projects and Leeds Community Foundation is keen to hear from organisations who can focus on local community engagement and participation in the development and delivery of social activities that reduce social isolation in men.”