Children with autism and a parent befriending service are some of the community groups who have benefitted from the first round of Inclusive Neighbourhood Grants, given out by Trafford Council.
The Council has completed its first wave of grant giving through the Inclusive neighbourhood Grants scheme, distributing £20,000 to 14 local community projects across the Trafford borough.
The newly-launched grant scheme offers funding of £500 for local events and up to £2,000 for community projects that bring people together and benefit the residents of Trafford.
The scheme is a rolling programme with £120,000 available throughout the year. There is a deadline for applications every two months, the next of which is 31st March 2019.
The first round of funding received a large number of excellent applications. Some of the successful projects include 4 Cheeky Monkeys in Sale, which was awarded £2,000 to develop stay and play sessions for children with autism. Stamford Brook Residents Association received £276 for a summer fun day and Hidden Treasure Discovery Centre, at the Hideaway in Partington, secured £1,778 for a parent befriending service to reduce social isolation.
Ruth Lancey, Director of The Hideaway, said
"We found the Inclusive Neighbourhood Grants incredibly easy to access and we're delighted to have been awarded a grant. We're now able to launch 'Coffee Mates', new sessions for parents who are feeling lonely or isolated."
Cllr Catherine Hynes, Deputy Leader of Trafford Council and chairwoman of the grant panel, said:
Our vision is about making Trafford a better borough for all and these grants go some way in delivering that.
I was very impressed with the bids that were submitted and it was great to be able to award money to such a range of deserving projects.
What is so wonderful is that they money we have given out will have an immediate benefit to our residents and neighbourhoods."
For more information about the grants, and to apply, visit www.trafford.gov.uk/inclusiveneighbourhoods
Posted on Wednesday 6th March 2019