Community Innovation Fund open for applications
FRIDAY, 17 JUNE, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Community Innovation Fund open for applications
NHS Tayside’s Community Innovation Fund is open for applications to fund community projects that will benefit the health and wellbeing of local communities across Tayside. Applications can be made for funding from as little as £500 up to £18,000 annually.
The Community Innovation Fund, which builds on the work of the former cash4communities fund, aims to help community groups to develop local improvement projects that will benefit the health and wellbeing of their local population. The Fund is financed through the Tayside Health Fund, the charity for NHS Tayside.
Richard McIntosh, Community Capacity Building Officer with NHS Tayside and first point of contact for enquiries about the Fund said, “The Fund can really go to the heart of a community to make a difference, supporting local people to make decisions about the changes they want to see to help them improve the health, wellbeing and resilience of their own communities. Often people just need a little support and funding to get started, and that’s where we come in.”
“We have already helped over 100 projects right across Tayside that have benefited children, older people and carers with things like gardens, support groups, cafes and art projects to name but a few. I would really encourage anyone with an idea for a community improvement project to get in touch and see if we can help.”
The Community Innovation Fund hopes to support new, innovative projects which will work in partnership with communities in disadvantaged areas, promoting quality of life, overall health and wellbeing and creating a stronger sense of community and social relationships.
Community groups can apply for any amount between £500 and £18,000 on an annual basis to establish new and innovative projects.
Anyone interested in applying or finding out more information should visit the website www.communityinnovationfundtayside.scot.nhs.uk or contact Richard on 01382 596979.
Notes to editor:
• Any community-led organisation can apply to the Community Innovation Fund for funding for a project in a community in an area of need.
• The project must show ongoing benefits and improvements to the community
• The Fund enables people to identify issues of concern in their community and to take improvement action.
• The Fund aims to help people to form partnerships with others who can provide assistance to work together to bring about change.
• The Fund has already supported
o Healthy Start Cafe in Angus
o Edzell Community Health Transport
o Coupar Angus Regeneration Trust
o Perth Creative Community Collaborative
o Perth Six Circle Project
o PKAVS - Young Carers project
o Ninewells Community Garden
o Dundee Healthy Living Initiative
o Forfar Open Garden Scheme
o Maxwelltown Information Centre
o Maryfield Men's Project (Boomerang Project)
o The Workshop Aberfeldy
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• For more information, please should visit the website www.communityinnovationfundtayside.scot.nhs.uk
Contact:
Gaynyr Dickson
NHS Tayside Communications
(01382) 740716
