New Stay Connected Community Grant fund launched to connect communities together

Loneliness and social isolation are big concerns. Research shows that loneliness and isolation is more than just a feeling, it affects all aspects of your health and can even contribute towards an early death. They can affect anyone of any age and any background.

The new fund sits alongside an existing programme of 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 our communities, and improve people’s lives. 

The Stay Connected Community Grant invites community-based organisations to apply for funding between £250 and £2,500 to create or expand activities that support people who may be experiencing loneliness and / or social isolation, through a variety of opportunities. 

Councillor Karen May, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Wellbeing at Worcestershire County Council, said: 

“Making people feel connected is a key part of our Health & 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. 

Applications will be welcome from lots of projects.

Funding Ideas

Funding may go towards a new or existing:

• community café to provide a lunch and learn club, where people can gain new arts and crafts skills and have a social-get-together
• local dance group that would like to expand to encourage young carers to join, so they can meet up with friends
• computer group for older adults, where customers bring their own IT device and get help to learn how to use it
• local running club or exercise group opening to new beginners’
• single or new parent support group, to increase availability

To apply, organisations need to complete an online application form which will be considered by a panel against the funding criteria. Alternative format copies will be available for those unable to access online. 

The application form will go live from today (4 December) via the loneliness and isolation page of Worcestershire County Council’s website or the Health and Wellbeing  Insights website.

To request an alternative format or further information please contact the Public Health Team at publichealthadmin@worcestershire.gov.uk.