Council launches new grant scheme to help residents become physically and socially active
Monday, 10 October 2022
With around one in four adults classified as inactive, a new revenue grant scheme is being launched today (10 October).
This will help local organisations encourage people to become physically and socially active.
Organisations are invited to apply for the new Active Communities grant of up to a maximum of £5,000 for each application.
Councillor Tracey Stock, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Communities said:
I’m delighted to invite local organisations to apply for the new Active Communities grant. The pandemic took its toll on lots of activities that help to keep us fit, active and engaged with the world, but it has been most acute across disadvantaged groups and areas of higher deprivation. While there are signs of recovery for activity levels as restrictions have eased, not all groups or demographics affected are recovering at the same rate.
She added:
We want to break down barriers and help people who otherwise might not have the chance to take part in activities. The grant could be to used help train staff and volunteers to become physical activity activators such as walk or cycle leaders, to guide and support those that are currently inactive. It could also be used tofund activity leaders, hire of facilities, equipment andprovidetransport where those that want to take part are unable to travel due to cost being a barrier to entry. These are just examples of the many ways the grant can offer support to local groups and organisations.
We would like to hear from charities, not-for-profit organisations, voluntary and community groups, housing associations, town and parish councils and social enterprises already working with people across Central Bedfordshire.
The grant fund has been specifically set up to support community, voluntary and other not-for-profit organisations that work locally for the residents of Central Bedfordshire.