Community groups and voluntary organisations providing health initiatives and help for adults can now apply for grants from £500 to £10,000.
The Community Chest, was set up in partnership by Durham County Council Adult Social Care, Public Health and North Durham Clinical Commissioning Group to benefit local services across County Durham. This could mean expanding existing services or developing new ones, helping people and communities to help themselves.
The funding recognises the benefit of working more closely in local communities, who are often best placed to listen and understand the needs of local people. The grant is intended to help areas such as outreach services for the housebound, healthy eating, making premises accessible and training volunteers in disability issues such as dementia.
The intention is to enable people to live as independently as possible and support them to improve their own health and wellbeing.
Lesley Jeavons, Head of Adult Social Care at Durham County Council, said: “We recognise the benefit of working more closely in local communities to sustain very local services in order to help people and communities help themselves.
“This approach will strengthen community opportunities and will help to save money in the long term by helping people to remain healthier and more independent for longer.”
Any groups wanting more information should contact communitychest@durham.gov.uk or www.durham.gov.uk/communitychest
