SOUTH Craven projects aimed at improving people’s mental health are being invited to apply for cash aid.

North Yorkshire has received £34,000 from NHS England in a third year of funding for grassroots projects that promote wellbeing and positive mental health.

County Councillor Caroline Dickinson – executive member for public health, prevention and supported housing – said: “Statistics show that at some point in their lives, one in four people will experience mental health issues. In North Yorkshire, that’s around 150,000 people.

“We can have good or poor mental health – just as we have varying physical health – and we can all experience changes in our mental wellbeing. This can be anxiety, stress or a more serious mental health condition.”

Any organisation can apply for funding, but applications are particularly welcome from those that work with men aged 40 and over. Between 2015 and 2018, the highest number of suicides in North Yorkshire were among men aged 40 to 59.

Organisations can bid for between £500 and £4,000.

For further information and an application form, visit northyorks.gov.uk/stronger-communities.

The deadline for applications is November 8.