Health Protection Community Grant - Print version

From 4 June 2025 to 31 August 2025, community groups and organisations based in Coventry will be able to apply for a small grant to help raise awareness on key health protection messages.  

The purpose of this grant is to help local community and voluntary groups to raise awareness on the specific health protection topics using methods that are likely to engage with the groups they work with.  

This scheme offers small sum grants which can be used towards costs incurred from the project. For example, covering the costs of refreshments, printing etc.   

Applicants must detail how they plan to spend the funding and how the community will benefit from this spend in relation to the subjects.  The Health Protection team will consider each application on a case-by-case basis and contact the applicant with 14 days of applying regarding the status of their application. 

What are the health protection topics? 

A limited sum of funding is available to deliver projects to raise awareness on the following Public Health subjects*: 

• Vaccination (preconception and in pregnancy/ Pre-school and childhood/ Older Adults/ high risk groups) 
• Sexual Health including safer sex 
• HIV including promoting Undetectable equals untransmissible (U=U) 
• Tuberculosis (Active TB/ Latent TB) 

* across the topics, we will prioritise initiatives that focus on supporting underrepresented groups. 

We want to give people the opportunity to identify which messages they think would benefit their community and come up with activities they think will get people to engage in the subject. 

Please note, the application window may close earlier than 31 August 2025, depending on the availability of funding.  

Please note that applications are now closed, as all available funding has now been fully allocated.

How to apply for a Health Protection Community Grant

We want to give you the opportunity to identify the health protection messages you think would benefit your community and to come up with activities that you think will work to raise awareness on these key messages:

• Vaccination (preconception and in pregnancy/ Preschool and childhood/ Older Adults/ high risk groups) 
• Sexual Health including safer sex 
• HIV including promoting Undetectable equals untransmissible (U=U) 
• Tuberculosis (Active TB/ Latent TB) 

* Across the topics, we will prioritise initiatives that focus on supporting underrepresented groups. 

As an example, you could use the grant to run a 6-week awareness campaign at an existing group or have an information station at a planned event you are holding. The grant could also be used for learning through practical activities within a community group or be used for producing targeted videos and resources. These are just examples, and we will consider anything you think will work.

You may choose only one of the topics above to promote but you could apply for more than one if that was achievable and suitable for the group you support. If you would like to discuss this or any other ideas with the team, please contact us at HPTeam@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:HPTeam@coventry.gov.uk]

Funding criteria

The maximum amount of funding you can apply for is £5000.

Funds will be allocated to groups and organisations that can outline details of how they plan to spend funds and how the community will benefit from the work. Please consider how your ideas will help bring these messages into the community and who it may benefit the most when completing the application form. The team will award grants based on the details you give, so try to answer the questions below as fully as you can.

If you want to talk to us to get more information or talk to us about your idea, we would love to hear from you. Please drop us an email at HPTeam@coventry.gov.uk [http://HPTeam@coventry.gov.uk] and one of the officers can discuss your ideas with you.

Application process

Once an application has been received, it will be reviewed and a decision will be made as soon as possible. This usually takes us around 4 weeks. Please bear with us during this time.

If you are successful, you will receive a grant agreement for you to sign and return to us. The grant agreement sets out the terms and conditions of our funding that we ask organisations to comply with in exchange for the grant.

If you are unsuccessful, we will call or write to you and let you know the reasons for this. This is a discretionary grant and there are no rights to appeal the Council's decision.

Allocating funding

This project is financed with funds that are external to Coventry City Council. The project will run till the end of March 2026.  After this time, there will be no further funding guaranteed by the Council.

Grant applications will be accepted until 31 August 2025 or until the totality of the fund has been allocated. There is an expectation that all funded work should be completed by 31 March 2026.

How can I access support if successful?

As part of the grant agreement, you will receive an information and resource pack. This will help you gain knowledge on the topic chosen to help your group successfully implement your plan. The health protection team at Coventry City Council will also be available for support and any queries.

Please note that applications are now closed, as all available funding has now been fully allocated.

Vaccinations

Preconception and in pregnancy 

During pregnancy, your immune system is suppressed to help protect the baby. This can mean you're less able to fight off infections. As the pregnancy develops, you may be unable to breathe as deeply as you did before, and respiratory infections can result in a slightly increased risk of complications. 

Having all of your maternity vaccinations whilst pregnant helps protect you and our child during pregnancy, and it can offer protection to your newborn baby too.  

Speak to your midwife, GP practice or health team and make sure you have them at the best time for you. 

Covid-19 and flu vaccines

• Pregnant women are more likely to get flu and COVID-19 complications than women who are not pregnant. They are also more likely to be admitted to hospital with flu and with COVID-19 
• Most pregnant women with COVID-19 who need hospital treatment or intensive care in the UK have not been vaccinated 
• If you get COVID-19 or flu late in your pregnancy, your baby could also be at risk of preterm birth and stillbirth 
• Having the flu and COVID-19 vaccine means you're less likely to get these infections 
• It's safe to have these vaccines during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date. 

Whooping cough

Whooping cough rates have increased over recent years and young babies are at greatest risk. 

• Pregnant women can help protect their babies by getting vaccinated. The immunity you get from the vaccine will pass to your baby through the placenta 
• You should ideally have the vaccine between 16 weeks and 32 weeks pregnant 
• This vaccine will protect your baby in the early weeks until they are old enough to be vaccinated as part of the routine childhood vaccination programme. 

RSV 

The RSV vaccine is recommended in pregnancy to give your new baby the best protection against a lung infection called bronchiolitis. In small babies this condition can make it hard to breathe and to feed. In England, around 20,000 infants are admitted to hospital each year with bronchiolitis and some will need intensive care. 

• The vaccine is recommended around the time of your 28-week antenatal appointment  
• Having the RSV vaccine whilst you are pregnant will boost your protection. The antibodies that your body produces will be passed to your unborn baby. These antibodies will help protect your baby against RSV from when they are born. 

For more information on vaccination in pregnancy, visit https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/672b7a27541e1dfbf71e8c7a/UKHSA_12977_Pregnancy_Immunisations_leaflet_refresh_12_WEB.pdf [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/672b7a27541e1dfbf71e8c7a/UKHSA_12977_Pregnancy_Immunisations_leaflet_refresh_12_WEB.pdf] 

Preschool and childhood vaccinations 

Vaccinations help to protect you and your child from many serious and potentially deadly diseases. 

• It helps protect other people in your family and community by helping to stop diseases spreading to people who cannot have vaccines, such as babies too young to be vaccinated and those who are too ill to be vaccinated. 
• Vaccines can sometimes cause mild side effects that will not last long. You may feel a bit unwell and have a sore arm for 2 or 3 days. 
• Sometimes parents choose not to vaccinate, but then later decide to make sure their child is protected. 
• It's best for your child to have their vaccinations according to the NHS vaccination schedule [https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/], but it's never too late to check if they can still have them. 

You will usually be contacted by your GP surgery when your child is due for their routine vaccination. You may be contacted by letter, text, phone call or email.  

Vaccinations given to your child at your GP practice: 

• Three vaccinations at 8 weeks old: 6-in-1 vaccine (1st dose), Rotavirus vaccine, MenB vaccine 
• Three vaccinations at 12 weeks old: 6-in-1 vaccine (2nd dose), Rotavirus vaccine (2nd dose), Pneumococcal vaccine (1st dose) 
• Two vaccinations at 16 weeks: 6-in-1 (3rd dose), MenB vaccine (2nd dose) 
• Four vaccinations at 1 year old: Hib/Men C vaccine (1st dose), MMR* vaccine (1st dose), Pneumococcal  vaccine (2nd dose), MenB vaccine (3rd dose)  
• Once a year from age 2 until your child starts school in Reception: Influenza (flu) vaccine 
• Two vaccinations at 3 years 4 months old: 4-in 1 vaccine, MMR vaccine (2nd dose) 

Vaccinations given to your child at school: 

• Once a year from reception to Year 11: Annual flu vaccine. This can be either nasal spray OR the injectable version of the vaccine that does not contain pork gelatine. 
• Year 8: HPV vaccination. This is now offered to both boys and girls.  It protects against e Human Papilloma virus (HPV) that can cause cancers of the mouth throat, genital area and cervix. 
• Year 9: 3-in-1 teenage booster vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio) and Meningitis ACWY vaccine. 
• MMR vaccine ‘catch up’ for children who have not had 2 doses. 
• Year 8 and 9: MMR vaccine catch-up. This vaccination is offered to those who have not had 2 doses of the MMR vaccination usually given before starting primary school.  

If you your chid has missed any of their childhood vaccinations, please contact your GP surgery to make sure your child is up to date with all of their vaccinations. 

Vaccinations for older adults

As we get older, our immune systems tend to weaken, putting us at higher risk for certain diseases. All adults particularly those aged 65 and over should make sure they are up-to-date with any vaccines they are eligible for to reduce the risk of vaccine preventable illness. 

• All adults over the age of 65 are recommended to have a one-off PPV vaccine which is protective against serious illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis. 
• All adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system are encouraged to have a one-off Shingles vaccine. 
• As winter approaches, it is important for those eligible to have the annual flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster. 
• Those aged between 75-79 are eligible to have the RSV vaccination which helps protect against the RSV virus (a common cause of coughs and colds but can cause serious illnesses in older adults). 

Pneumococcal vaccine (PPV) 

• Pneumococcal infections are caused by bacteria which can lead to pneumonia, blood poisoning (sepsis) and meningitis. 
• These infections are often serious and potentially fatal. The pneumococcal vaccine or PPV protects against pneumococcal infections. 
• The PPV vaccine is available for all adults over 65 years old from a GP surgery 
• The PPV vaccine is also available for people who are at high risk due to long-term health conditions such as COPD, heart disease and diabetes 

Shingles 

• Shingles is a common, painful skin disease, caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus you may have had when you were younger. 
• Shingles causes a burning sensation in the skin, followed by a painful rash or blisters developing on the skin. Some people are left with pain lasting for years after the initial rash has healed.  
• The shingles vaccine can reduce your risk of getting shingles and reduce the severity of symptoms if you do catch shingles 

RSV 

• The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 
• RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. Most people get it several times during their life. 
• It usually gets better by itself, but in some people (especially babies and older adults) it can cause illnesses such as pneumonia (a lung infection) 
• Getting RSV can also make your symptoms worse if you have a lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). 
• The RSV vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis. 

Vaccinations for high-risk groups 

Some vaccines are only available on the NHS for groups of people who need extra protection. 

More information on when to have each vaccine [https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/]

Sexual health including safer sex

It is essential to practice safer sex to protect yourself, and your partner(s), from STIs and unplanned pregnancies. 

• An STI can be passed from one person to another through unprotected sexual activity 
• Safer sex involves using a condom correctly every time you have sex 
• Not all STIs have symptoms, some infections don’t show signs for weeks or months and some can have symptoms that can appear and then go away 
• The only way to know if you have an STI is to get tested.  
• Without getting tested and completing treatment you can have an STI and pass it on to someone else. 
• Testing and treatment are free, and immigration status does not affect this. 
• Men who have sex with men should get tested every 6-12 months and every 3 months if they are having unprotected sex 
• It is recommended to test for STIs if/when you change partners 
• If you have sex regularly with different people, it is recommended to get tested every 3 months 
• You don’t need to have lots of sexual partners to be at risk of an STI.  
• STI testing is quick, easy, painless, and confidential and all STIs are treatable 
• If you are aged 16 or over, you can order a free STI kit to your home 
• If you have had unprotected sex, get tested. 
• More information on STIs, how to access sexual health services and how to get tested for an STI [http://digital.thesexualhealthhub.co.uk/coventry-and-warwickshire]

HIV including promoting Undetectable equals untransmissible (U=U)

• If you have HIV, finding out means you can start treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus onto anyone else.  
• HIV testing and treatment is free to everyone. Immigration status does not affect this. 
• There are many ways to test for HIV for example at the sexual health clinic or ordering a test online. More information on the local service available [https://digital.thesexualhealthhub.co.uk/stis/hiv]
• More information on HIV, how to access sexual health services and how to get tested for HIV [https://digital.thesexualhealthhub.co.uk/coventry-and-warwickshire ]

Tuberculosis (Active TB/ Latent TB)

• Testing and treatment for TB is free to everyone living in this country, regardless of their immigration status.  
• There are two types of tuberculosis – active TB and Latent TB Infection (LTBI) 
• TB can affect any part of the body including the lungs and the brain 
• If TB is found in the lungs or throat it is infectious, and can be passed on to others such as friends and family.   
• It is harder to catch than a cold, typically 8 hours close contact, or ongoing contact such as in a family home or work place 
• TB is treatable typically with a 6 months course of antibiotics  
• You can have TB more than once. 
• The TB vaccination can protect against the most severe forms of TB and is often give as a baby to protect when vulnerable, but you can still get infected with TB.  
• If the TB team, ask you to attend an appointment for a TB screen because you have been in contact with someone with infectious TB you should go to the appointment to get screened even if you feel fit and well.  
• If you are diagnosed with infectious TB, the TB nurse will ask you about your work, school and lifestyle so that they can assess if someone has made you unwell or whether a friend, family member or other contact needs to be screened for TB.  It is important that you answer truthfully to protect these important people, please do not worry the TB team  will update and discuss this with you. 

Common symptoms of TB include: 

• a cough for three weeks or longer 
• weight loss 
• high temperature or fever 
• drenching night sweats 
• swollen Lymph Glands 
• extreme tiredness or lack of energy. 

If you have TB symptoms, you should make an appointment to see your GP to discuss your symptoms 

 Latent TB Infection new migrant screening programme  

• Sometimes you can have TB but have no symptoms and are not infectious this is called latent TB infection  
• If you are eligible, you will be contacted by the TB team to have a free Latent TB Infection test.  
• You may have had a chest x-ray prior to arriving in the UK, this does not spot Latent TB only active TB. 

Who can have a test for Latent TB?  

• Those who have arrived in the UK within the last 5 years  
• Are aged between 16-35 years  
• Are from a country with a high incidence of TB  

Afghanistan; Angola; Bangladesh; Bhutan; Botswana; Cambodia; Cameroon; Central African Republic; Congo (Republic of the); DR Congo; Djibouti; Equatorial Guinea; Eswatini; Gabon; Gambia; Greenland; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Haiti; India; Indonesia; Kenya; DPR Korea; Kiribati; Lesotho; Liberia; Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Mongolia; Mozambique; Myanmar; Namibia; Nauru; Nepal; Nigeria; Pakistan; Papua New Guinea; Philippines; Sierra Leone; Somalia; South Africa; South Sudan; Tanzania; Thailand; Timor-Leste; Tuvalu; Uganda; Vietnam; Zambia; Zimbabwe. Source: World Health Organisation (WHO), 2020