Apply for group grants

The application process for West Sussex County Council’s prevention and wellbeing grants programme is now open.

It aims to help innovative, community-based activities for residents, which are designed to enable adults and older people to get out, make friends and see others.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available and the closing date for applications is Thursday, April 17, 2014.

Last year, awards ranged between under £50 and £5,000 and were used for a number of different projects, including tea and chat groups, choirs and fitness and learning activities.

Christine Field, cabinet member for community wellbeing, said: “The prevention and wellbeing grants programme was designed to help community-based services and organisations to support the social aspects of people’s lives.

“These types of organisations play a vital role in helping to reduce isolation and they can help to maintain an older person’s independence for longer.

“Small or large projects can apply and I would encourage any group who thinks they might be able to benefit from this funding to find out more.”

The applications will be assessed by the county local committees.

Organisations will be notified of decisions and receive payments in August 2014.

The grants are not available for services or activities designed for children and people with learning disabilities.

For more information and to find out how to request an application pack, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk and search ‘prevention and wellbeing grants’.