This week, on 16 July, the Government’s Work and Health Unit, a joint unit funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and Department of Health and Social Care, launched the Challenge Fund, a new time-limited source of funding aimed at testing new or promising approaches to helping people experiencing mental health or musculoskeletal (MSK) issues to stay in work.  They might be at risk of losing their job because of sickness or may be already off work through ill health.

The Fund is squarely aimed at encouraging innovation and ideas with an emerging evidence base.  To that end, the Unit is looking to fund small to medium scale initiatives, with £4.2 million available. Applications are welcome from organisations in any sector, including employers, charities, social enterprises, local authorities, health bodies and others, with applications from smaller organisations particularly welcome.

The deadline for applications is Friday 17 August at 17.00. For more information, visit: challengefund.flexigrant.com.