West Suffolk to make further investment in communities

27 Jul 2020

The community response to COVID-19 crisis has been remarkable and West Suffolk Council is looking to continue its work to support voluntary and community sector groups in the next phase.

West Suffolk Council which has helped coordinate some of the volunteer response through the Home But Not Alone helpline, is making more than £300,000 available through its annual Community Chest grants scheme which is now open for applications.

The money is available to invest in community led initiatives designed to benefit the lives of residents. Community groups, charities, voluntary organisations, faith groups and social enterprises can all apply for funding.

Cllr John Griffiths, Leader of West Suffolk Council said: “We launched Community Chest in 2015, and that work, investing in and working with our communities, meant that we were able to set about helping the most vulnerable early on in the crisis. We know COVID-19 hasn’t gone away but we also know that we need to look beyond that to the long-term recovery and the role people in our communities will play in supporting each other.

“The lockdown situation will undoubtedly have effected many people’s physical and mental health. While our LifeLink social prescribing team may be able to help some of those who feel anxious or are feeling low, we know that there are also many great community-based initiatives out there that can help. We have invested in many of these in the past, helping residents who were lonely, isolated, people with low self-esteem or who didn’t feel a part of the community, and in projects to help families struggling emotionally with some of life’s daily pressures. Within our communities there are answers to some of these challenges in our society and that is why we are delighted to be opening Community Chest to applications once again.”

To apply for Community Chest funding, read the guidance and then complete the online application at https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/community/community-grants.cfm

The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on 30 October. The applications will then be reviewed by West Suffolk’s Grant Working Party. Applicants will then be notified in February 2021 with successful applicants receiving funding in April 2021.

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