Open Call for Reveal and Respond Programme (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 28-Oct-2026

The Reveal and Respond programme provides grants to UK-based organisations developing or scaling projects that improve access to mental health and wellbeing support for underrepresented groups within the armed forces community. Funding ranges from £20,000 to £40,000 for Strand 1 discovery and pilot projects and £150,000 to £300,000 for Strand 2 projects ready to scale, embed, replicate, or strengthen tested approaches. What Is the Reveal and Respond Programme? The Reveal and Respond programme supports projects designed to address barriers preventing underrepresented groups within the UK armed forces community from accessing appropriate mental health and wellbeing services. The programme focuses on understanding the specific experiences and needs of groups that may face difficulties accessing existing support. Funded projects should not simply provide general mental health services. They should demonstrate a clear understanding of the barriers affecting the target group and develop tailored, evidence-informed interventions. What Does the Programme Aim to Achieve? The programme has two closely connected goals: Improve access to appropriate mental health and wellbeing support. Generate learning about the barriers, needs, and experiences of underrepresented groups. The strongest applicants are likely to be those that can demonstrate both relevant community knowledge and a credible approach to improving access to support. Why Does the Reveal and Respond Programme Matter? Some members of the armed forces community may face barriers that are not adequately addressed by mainstream mental health services. Lack of culturally or socially appropriate services Limited understanding of specific lived experiences The programme seeks to move beyond identifying these barriers by supporting organisations to develop and test practical responses. How the Programme Works Applicants should consider which stage of development best describes their proposed project. If the approach still needs to be explored or tested: Strand 1 may be more appropriate. If an approach has already been tested and is ready for wider implementation: Strand 2 may be more suitable. Projects should establish a clear connection between: Identified barrier → Target group → Tailored intervention → Improved access → Learning and evidence → Wider sector impact How to Prepare an Application

Step 1: Identify the Target Group

Clearly define the underrepresented group within the armed forces community that the project will support.

Step 2: Demonstrate the Problem

Use research, evidence, community consultation, or existing organisational knowledge to explain the barriers affecting the target group.

Step 3: Design a Tailored Response

Explain exactly how the proposed intervention will address those barriers. The project should be designed around the needs of the target community rather than applying a generic mental health model.

Step 4: Select the Appropriate Funding Strand

Consider whether the project is:

A discovery or pilot initiative requiring testing and learning; or A tested approach that is ready to be scaled, embedded, replicated, or strengthened.

Step 5: Define Outcomes

Set measurable outcomes relating to:

Access to support Engagement Wellbeing Service quality Learning Organisational practice Collaboration

Step 6: Demonstrate Organisational Capacity

Explain the organisation’s relevant experience, governance arrangements, partnerships, staffing, and ability to deliver the project over the proposed period. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Proposing a generic mental health project without addressing specific barriers. Failing to identify the underrepresented group clearly. Applying for Strand 2 without evidence that the approach has already been tested. Focusing only on activities rather than measurable outcomes. Underdeveloping the learning and evaluation component. Ignoring the programme’s governance requirements. Failing to explain how project learning could improve wider practice. Providing insufficient evidence of organisational capacity. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Reveal and Respond programme? It is a UK grant programme supporting projects that improve access to mental health and wellbeing support for underrepresented groups within the armed forces community. How much funding is available? Strand 1 offers £20,000 to £40,000, while Strand 2 offers £150,000 to £300,000. How long can projects run? Strand 1 supports projects over two years. Strand 2 supports projects lasting two to three years. What is the difference between Strand 1 and Strand 2? Strand 1 is intended for discovery, pilot, and learning projects. Strand 2 is intended for approaches that have already been tested and are ready to be scaled, embedded, replicated, or strengthened. Can charities apply? Yes. UK-based registered charities that have been registered for at least three years can apply, subject to the programme’s other requirements. Can Community Interest Companies apply? Yes. Eligible CICs must meet the programme’s requirements, including having been incorporated in the UK for more than three years, maintaining appropriate governance, having at least three unrelated directors, and meeting the asset-lock requirements. Can local authorities apply? Yes. UK local authorities are among the eligible applicant types. Conclusion The Reveal and Respond programme provides targeted funding for organisations seeking to improve mental health and wellbeing support for underrepresented groups within the UK armed forces community. With Strand 1 supporting early-stage discovery and pilots and Strand 2 supporting tested approaches ready for wider implementation, the programme offers opportunities to develop evidence-based solutions, improve access to support, and strengthen mental health practice across the sector.