Charities are being urged to consider applying to take part in a body that advises the government on public health issues.
The Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Health and Wellbeing Alliance, which consists of about 20 voluntary sector and other partners, aims to ensure the lived experiences of the people they represent are reflected in the development of health policy.
The alliance is a key element of the government’s Health and Wellbeing Programme, which aims to promote health equalities and reduce health inequalities across the UK.
Existing partners, which includes Age UK, Carers UK, LGBT foundation and the Race Equality Foundation, work in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and NHS Improvement, and Public Health England.
The alliance aims to ensure the voice of lived experience is incorporated early in policy development, and that important health and public health announcements and messages are shared to reach communities who may be directly impacted.
Membership of the alliance is awarded through a competitive tendering process and successful organisations will receive grant funding of up to £80,000 a year for their core work.
Existing partners, which have been part of the alliance since it was formed in 2017, must reapply to take part alongside any new applicants.
A “meet the funder” webinar series for interested parties to hear more and ask questions will run from 1 to 3 September. Applications must be received by noon on 6 November.
Public health minister Jo Churchill said: “Over the last three years members have made an enormous contribution to a number of important policy developments.
“This relaunch is a fantastic opportunity to ensure that we not only continue to hear from the most underrepresented voices, but also allows us a refresh, so that important health messages reach those they affect the most.’’
More information on webinars and application support can be found here.