Hidden Voices programme reopens for applications
Our Hidden Voices programme opens for applications again today… but what do we mean by ‘hidden voices’ and what’s this funding all about?
Among the 24 projects we funded last year, work centred around:
- veterans in the justice system
- LGBT+ veterans
- victim-survivors of Military Sexual Violence
- carers in armed forces communities
- foreign & commonwealth personnel
- And more…!
The Hidden Voices programme is about ensuring everyone in the armed forces community feels heard and supported – focusing on those who may not always get the support they need.
Prevention and early-intervention mental health support
This is a mental health and wellbeing programme, specifically for those who have been underserved or who have faced barriers to support when accessing services. These groups are ‘seldom heard’ and may be less represented in mainstream services.
As well as helping people get the support they need, we’re looking for projects that will help organisations to learn and share how to better support these groups within the community.
Your project will need to meet both of the following outcomes:
- Those who are underrepresented, or whose voices are seldom heard, within the armed forces community, have equitable access to mental health and wellbeing support which meets their specific needs.
- Awareness of the needs of underrepresented groups within the armed forces community has been raised among organisations supporting them, through mutual learning and knowledge exchange to embed best practice.
Partnerships make great projects!
We’re looking for collaboration between armed forces and non-armed forces organisations and services. Plus, it’s important that you have the voices of your beneficiaries at the core of your project, helping to shape things from the very start.
Anna Wright, Chief Executive of the Trust explains: “This is your opportunity to provide tailored support to those who are less heard in our armed forces communities. Their needs might be less well understood or recognised, and the Hidden Voices programme aims to tackle this issue head on.”
What’s available?
Grants of £3,000 to £25,000 are available for projects lasting up to 12 months.
Preston North End Community and Education Trust were awarded £19,960 in March this year to provide early-intervention mental health support to older veterans in care homes. While Rees Foundation were awarded £19,767 to support care leavers with access to guidance and resources.
Hamish, one of Rees Foundation’s clients, explained: “Since connecting, I have found so many like-minded people who have spent time like me in the care system and understand the difficulties I experienced. Also having emotional support, having someone to turn to who understands even now the struggles experienced daily is a lifesaver.”
Find out more
So, if you’re a registered charity, CIC or local authority working with under-served groups in the armed forces community. Why not apply?
Full details are available on our website and the first of two rounds closes on 1 October 2025.
Head to our Hidden Voices programme page for more.