Community mental health projects across Surrey are continuing to make a lasting difference to residents’ wellbeing, thanks to investment through the Mental Health Investment Fund (MHIF), a joint initiative between Surrey County Council and Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board (ICB), now known as NHS Surrey and Sussex.
Partners, funded organisations and people with lived experience came together at the MHIF Impact Day on Wednesday 3 June 2026 to reflect on the achievements of the programme and the long-term legacy being created through investment in prevention, early intervention and community-based mental health support.
Since launching, the MHIF has funded 24 projects delivered by grassroots voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across Surrey’s key neighbourhoods, supporting priority and vulnerable populations through counselling services, peer support, community outreach, nature-based wellbeing initiatives, educational programmes and targeted support for vulnerable groups.
The programme has focused on building on trusted local services already supporting residents, while encouraging innovation, partnership working and sustainable long-term impact within communities.
An independent evaluation of the first round of MHIF-funded projects found the programme had successfully reached vulnerable and priority populations across Surrey, helping to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and strengthen community resilience, while also supporting some residents back into work or wider support services.
The evaluation also highlighted the sustainability and long-term value of many MHIF-funded projects, with several organisations securing additional external investment to continue and expand their work beyond the original funding period.
A dedicated “Impact in Motion” session during the event showcased live demonstrations from four MHIF-funded projects delivering support directly within Surrey communities.
At the Impact Day, speakers included Tim Oliver, Mark Nuti and Dr Charlotte Canniff.
Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, said: “MHIF shows what can be achieved when we invest in communities and empower local organisations to deliver. What we’re seeing today is real impact, earlier support, stronger connections, and better outcomes for residents across Surrey.”
Mark Nuti, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member, Health & Communities, said: “Great to see so many familiar faces here today to celebrate the impact the Mental Health Investment Fund has had over the last 4 years. The main objective of the MHIF was to aid prevention in the mental health sphere and to provide funding to further good projects and to make a real difference in and around our communities. Enjoy the day and please give yourselves a huge round of applause, you’re doing great work for our residents in Surrey.”
Dr Charlotte Canniff, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Surrey and Sussex, said: “Today is a powerful reminder that mental health support works best when it is rooted in communities. The collaboration we’re seeing through MHIF is helping people get support earlier, reduce crisis, and build long-term wellbeing across Surrey.”
Throughout the event, organisations and service users shared stories demonstrating the difference MHIF-funded support has made to people’s lives and communities across Surrey.
Milo, who has been supported by Abigail Brookland from Emerge Advocacy said: “I feel that my life is a lot more stable since I met the people from Emerge”
Megan, who has been supported by Hannah Shepherd from YMCA East, Step Forward said: “Step Forward is the best choice I’ve made in my life, it’s improved everything and with the help from Hannah I have stepped forward in life.”
The event also highlighted how partnership working between local government, the NHS and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector has helped create more accessible and community-led approaches to supporting mental health and wellbeing.
Notes to Editors
- Established in 2022, MHIF forms part of Surrey’s “No One Left Behind” ambition, focused on reducing inequalities, improving wellbeing and ensuring residents can access support earlier, before mental health challenges escalate into crisis.
- The fund combines ring-fenced investment from the 2022/23 Council Tax increase with an additional contribution from the NHS.
- The programme was created to support delivery of Priority Two of the Surrey Health and Wellbeing Strategy by improving emotional wellbeing, reducing isolation, encouraging residents to take a more proactive approach to their mental health and investing in locally delivered, community-based support.
- Projects highlighted through the programme included post-hospital mental health support for young people delivered by Emerge Advocacy, support groups tackling isolation and improving resilience in local communities, creative and wellbeing programmes for people with disabilities and mental health challenges, and specialist support for autistic girls and their families.
- Other MHIF-funded initiatives included nature-based wellbeing projects, counselling and crisis support services, educational theatre programmes focused on mental health awareness, and support for families experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives through neonatal and bereavement pathways.
- The “Impact in Motion” session featured demonstrations from four MHIF-funded projects:
- Delight’s “Make, Create, Celebrate” project.
- Emerge Advocacy’s “Expanding Follow-Up Capacity” project.
- Surrey Care Trust’s “Steps2Work Wellbeing” project.
- YMCA East Surrey’s “Step Forward” project.
