£5,000 council grant on hand to help community groups support local needs

Communities across the borough can tap into a £200,000 pot of money from Cheshire East Council to boost local initiatives.

Activities that could benefit include support or training for volunteers and the purchase of equipment to improve the quality of life for local people.

Voluntary, community and faith sector organisations, particularly those within hard-to-reach communities, are urged to make applications now. The next round of the early help and community grant scheme is open and groups wishing to apply must do so by 28 September.

Each application can be for up to £5,000 but strict criteria are applied. Organisations seeking to benefit are encouraged to explore the options and application process through the council’s website*.

Successful organisations must report back to the council on how they have spent their allocation.  The scheme is meant to be competitive, open and transparent, enabling the council to distribute limited resources to support and encourage initiatives, especially in hard-to-reach communities.

Organisations must show a defined impact with clear outcomes.

An applicant can receive financial support to meet the running costs of a new activity group, such as computer and internet tuition, introducing a new sport or the development of personal skills, including training in volunteering, health and safety, sports coaching or food hygiene.

Councillor Liz Wardlaw, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for health, said: “The early help and community grants scheme is key to the delivery of the council’s ‘connected communities’ strategy and meets with the authority’s core values, one of which is to enable people to live well and for longer.

“Vibrant voluntary, community and faith sectors are seen as vital to developing strong and engaging communities and the small grants scheme is aimed at generating significant local activity to produce a positive impact.

“Improved outcomes can help build resilience, empowering people to manage their health and wellbeing, reduce isolation, minimising health risks and hospital admissions.”

*For more information about the early help and community grant scheme, including how to apply, visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/communitygrant or email communitygrants@cheshireeast.gov.uk

or telephone 01270 685809.