national survivor user network - funding for people with mental health difficulties

MadCovid hardship fund for people with mental health difficulties
NSUN members Jo Edge and Bethan Edwards, both survivors of mental illness and the psychiatric system, have created a hardship fund to help anyone with mental health difficulties who are currently struggling financially. 

Funds are available to people who do not have access to other available funds from employers or through the government.

To apply for funds, please fill in this short online survey

This fund is for mentally ill/neurodiverse people in the UK who are facing financial hardship due to COVID-19. We are offering grants of up to £200 to individuals and staff on psychiatric wards for OT activities.

Some things mentally ill/neurodiverse people may need:

- Taxi fares to/from essential mental health appointments: it is crucial that people with mental illnesses access any appointments they might have (e.g. psychiatrist, therapist, community mental health team).
- Kitchen appliances which will help with food storage and cooking, such as microwaves or freezers: many people with mental illnesses live without such items due a lack of money and manage in regular times, but faced with lockdown and an increased need to store and cook food, these items are now essential.
- Increased household bills such as internet data and fuel: those who are suddenly out of work will be faced with more time at home, but way less income.
- Home deliveries of shopping and other essential items, especially for people in crisis who can normally go out and about when well.
- Bulk ordering of products such as Fortisip/safe foods which are a lifeline for people with eating disorders. Fortisip is extremely expensive and very hard to get on prescription from a GP.
- Medical supplies for dealing with self-injury/self-harm at home, for those who cannot get what they need free on prescription (such as hypoallergenic dressings) or who cannot attend A&E.
- Inpatient mental health wards may also apply to us for the cost of extra resources to keep patients busy and occupied, such as craft materials, board games or other costs for OT activities.

Individual applicants

Money will only go to those who need it: folks who do not have access to other available funds from employers or through the government. We prioritise people with no recourse to public funds and those who have children or other dependents and who can show that they have exhausted other options. We also prioritise students who have no recourse to state benefits during this time and whose universities and SUs have not been able to assist them.

Your application will need to show how COVID-19 has specifically brought about the need for extra funds. Wherever possible we will buy the requested items for you or send appropriate vouchers rather than transfer cash. We also need to see a detailed breakdown of how much you need and what for.