A NEW £50,000 funding package has been launched to empower local organisations across Worcestershire to help tackle loneliness and social isolation.
The ‘Stay Connected Community Grant’, is part of the Healthy Worcestershire Programme, and is aimed at helping people of any age and background.
Loneliness and social isolation are great concerns and are more than just feelings – they affect all aspects of health and can even contribute towards an early death.
The new fund sits alongside existing work, including The Stay Connected pledge, creative health projects delivered through the county’s arts development work and the new Healthy Worcestershire Programme.
In support of the Tackling Loneliness Partnership, the fund’s aims are to help prevent loneliness, strengthen communities, and improve people’s lives.
Community organisations can apply for between £250 and £2,500 to create or expand activities which support people experiencing loneliness and / or social isolation, through a variety of opportunities.
Coun Karen May, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “Making people feel connected is a key part of our Health and Wellbeing strategy which focuses upon what we all need to be mentally healthy.
“There’s some fantastic work already going on in communities throughout Worcestershire.
“This fund will help take these projects to the next level and get more people involved.”
The programme is open for applications from third sector organisations including charities, voluntary groups and clubs across Worcestershire.
Examples of projects the cash could go to include supporting new or existing community cafes to provide a lunch and learn club, where people gain new arts and crafts skills and have a social-get-together, local dance groups expanding so young carers can meet up with friends and computer group for older adults where people take their own IT device and get help learning how to use it.
Others could be a local running club or exercise group opening to new beginners and single or new parent support groups.
Organisations should visit insights.worcestershire.gov.uk to find out more and apply. Applications will be considered by a panel against the funding criteria.
Non-online copies will be made available – email [email protected] for more.
