Eyup

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £1,219,310 (expenditure 2023/24)
• Annual Income: £623,976 (2023/24)
• Grant Range: £800 - £4,000 (via Creative Minds); varies for NHS service grants
• Geographic Focus: Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees, and Wakefield
• Application Type: Rolling (Creative Minds); ad-hoc for NHS services

Contact Details

Main Charity:

• Website: https://eyupcharity.org
• Email: eyup.charity@swyt.nhs.uk
• Phone: 01924 316000
• Address: SW Yorkshire Partnership NHS FT, Fieldhead Hospital, Ouchthorpe Lane, Wakefield, WF1 3SP

Creative Minds Programme:

• Email: creativeminds@swyt.nhs.uk
• Phone: 01924 316 285
• Calderdale/Kirklees: Alex Feather - alex.feather1@swyt.nhs.uk / 07827 232698
• Wakefield/Barnsley: Ash Mahmood - arshad.mahmood@swyt.nhs.uk / 07342 059213

Overview

EYUP (sometimes stylized as EyUp!) is the official charity of South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, established in 2017. The charity exists for the welfare of staff and service users of the Trust, supporting community, mental health, wellbeing, and learning disability services across four Yorkshire localities.

With an expenditure of over £1.2 million annually, EYUP operates primarily through three distinct funding streams: Creative Minds (grants to external community organizations), direct grants to NHS services within the Trust, and staff wellbeing initiatives. The charity receives funding support from NHS Charities Together and government grants, alongside fundraising activities and donations.

In May 2019, funds were transferred from the South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust Charitable Funds to consolidate resources under the EYUP banner. The charity proudly states it doesn't fund core NHS services but instead goes “above and beyond, the extra mile, with extra happiness,” providing enhancements that the NHS budget cannot cover.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Creative Minds (Charity number 1055931-13)

• Grant amounts: £1,000 - £4,000
• Small constituted groups: Maximum £1,000
• Match funding required for grants above £1,000
• Rolling application process through direct contact with locality coordinators
• Since launch in November 2011, has enabled over 900 projects and works with 280+ partner organizations

2. NHS Service Enhancement Grants

• Variable amounts (examples: £600+ for service improvements)
• For projects that enhance patient experience and recovery
• Available to NHS Trust services and departments
• Application through bid submission to charity

3. Staff Wellbeing Grants

• Variable amounts
• Support staff wellbeing initiatives across the Trust
• Examples include wellbeing journals (2,000 journals distributed Trust-wide)
• Staff members can submit bid applications

Priority Areas

Creative Minds specifically funds:

• Arts and creative activities
• Leisure and recreational programs
• Horticulture projects
• Physical activity and sport initiatives
• Activities that benefit people using South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust services, their carers, and communities

General EYUP funding supports:

• Hospital ward equipment and games
• Visitor facilities (play areas, comfortable seating)
• Activity groups for service users
• Service user trips and outings
• Crisis support packages (e.g., Warm & Well packs)
• Environmental improvements to create calm, therapeutic spaces
• Community initiatives that benefit mental health and wellbeing

What They Don't Fund

• Core NHS services (which should be funded through NHS budgets)
• Projects outside their geographic areas (Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield)
• Activities that don't benefit people using Trust services or their carers

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Governance and Leadership

EYUP is administered by the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust board of directors, which serves as the corporate trustee. The Charity Commission records indicate one trustee position, with no trustees receiving remuneration from the charity.

The charity employs 15 staff members who deliver its programs and manage fundraising operations. The charity operates three linked programs:

• Creative Minds: A community partnership initiative
• Spirit in Mind: A spiritual and pastoral care initiative linking faith communities with mental health services
• Mental Health Museum: Based at Fieldhead Hospital, preserving the history of mental health care

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Creative Minds (Community Organizations):

Applications are processed on a rolling basis. The process is relationship-based rather than formal application forms:

• Calderdale/Kirklees: Alex Feather (alex.feather1@swyt.nhs.uk / 07827 232698)
• Wakefield/Barnsley: Ash Mahmood (arshad.mahmood@swyt.nhs.uk / 07342 059213)

1. Have an informal discussion about your project idea

1. Submit a project proposal as guided by the coordinator

1. Organizations must be local not-for-profit groups working in the four locality areas

1. Projects must offer activities based on arts, leisure, recreation, horticulture, physical activity, or sport

1. All applications above £1,000 must identify match funding

For NHS Staff and Services:

• Submit a bid application to the charity
• Contact eyup.charity@swyt.nhs.uk to discuss your proposal
• Applications are considered on an ongoing basis

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly stated. The Creative Minds program operates on a rolling basis, suggesting decisions are made as applications are received rather than in fixed rounds. Contact coordinators for current processing times.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. However, Creative Minds has funded over 900 projects since 2011 and maintains partnerships with 280+ organizations, suggesting a relatively accessible program for aligned applicants.

Reapplication Policy

Not specified in available materials. Contact the charity directly to discuss reapplication after an unsuccessful bid.

Application Success Factors

For Creative Minds applicants:

1. Geographic alignment is essential: Your organization must work in Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees, or Wakefield, and projects must benefit people in these areas.

1. Connection to NHS service users: Projects should clearly benefit people who use South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust services (mental health, wellbeing, learning disability services), their carers, or the wider community.

1. Activity focus: The charity specifically seeks projects based on arts, leisure, recreation, horticulture, physical activity, or sport. Creative and innovative approaches are welcomed.

1. Partnership approach: Creative Minds values “bobby dazzler ideas” that make a real difference. The charity works collaboratively with organizations rather than simply distributing funds - they refer to organizations as “partners.”

1. Match funding demonstrates commitment: For grants over £1,000, identifying match funding shows sustainability and wider support. Yorkshire Sport previously provided £7,000 in match funding for Creative Minds projects.

1. Start with conversation, not paperwork: The application process emphasizes relationship-building through initial discussions with locality coordinators rather than formal written applications.

1. Evidence of impact on wellbeing: Projects should demonstrate how they will help people build confidence, learn new skills, develop talents, or support recovery and wellbeing.

For NHS staff applicants:

1. Enhancement, not replacement: The charity's mission is to provide extras "the NHS can't always afford“ - not to fund core services. Focus on how your project goes ”above and beyond."

1. Staff wellbeing is a priority: Recent examples show support for staff wellbeing initiatives, including journals and resources that support colleagues.

1. Patient experience focus: Service grants should clearly demonstrate how they will improve patient experiences, create therapeutic environments, or boost recovery.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• EYUP operates two distinct funding streams: Creative Minds for external community organizations (highly structured with specific contact persons), and discretionary grants for NHS services and staff (less formal process). Ensure you approach the right program.

• Relationship-based funding model: Creative Minds particularly emphasizes building partnerships rather than transactional grant-making. Invest time in developing a relationship with locality coordinators before seeking funding.

• Match funding requirement: For Creative Minds grants above £1,000, identifying match funding sources strengthens applications significantly. Consider partnerships with organizations like Yorkshire Sport Foundation.

• Geographic specificity matters: All four localities (Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield) are served, but different coordinators manage different areas. Contact the correct person for your location.

• “Above and beyond” philosophy: EYUP consistently emphasizes funding extras that bring “health and happiness” beyond core services. Applications should demonstrate added value, creativity, and positive impact on wellbeing.

• NHS service user connection is essential: For Creative Minds, clearly articulate how your organization's activities benefit people who use the Trust's mental health, wellbeing, or learning disability services.

• Proven track record: With 280+ partner organizations and 900+ funded projects through Creative Minds, this suggests the charity values building ongoing relationships with organizations that deliver quality programs rather than one-off grants.

References

• EYUP Charity Commission Record. Charity number 1055931.. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/1055931/charity-overview

• South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. “EyUp! charity.”. https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/get-involved/eyup-charity/

• South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. “Creative Minds - Funding applications.”. https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/creative-minds/how-to-apply/

• South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. “All About Creative Minds.”. https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/creative-minds/home/

• Yorkshire Sport Foundation. “Creative Minds gets more active.”. https://www.yorkshiresport.org/whats-new/news/creative-minds-gets-more-active/

• VSI Alliance. “Creative Minds Funding Open for Applicants.”. https://vsialliance.org.uk/creative-minds-funding-open-for-applicants/

• Creative Minds Charity Commission Record. Charity number 1055931-13.. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4057214

• Work for Good. “EyUp! NHS Charity.”. https://workforgood.co.uk/charities/eyup-nhs-charity/