Community projects and organisations that support residents have been invited to apply for a share of £10,000 to improve welfare support, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
Local Network areas throughout County Durham will benefit from the funding boost, as part of the council’s Poverty Strategy and Action Plan.
Durham County Council said the funding can be used for projects and activities that educate residents about welfare reform, while providing social, emotional and mental support to those who they impact. It’s expected that projects will receive a minimum grant of £5,000 with a maximum of £10,000 so they can have a significant impact on local welfare reform issues.
Councillor Nicola Lyons, cabinet member for communities and civic resilience, said: “We understand that the high cost of living and changes to the welfare system are impacting many residents in different ways.
“This funding is vital for community projects that seek to educate and support residents through those changes while also bringing new opportunities to improve welfare across the county.”
All applicants to the Durham County Council Local Network Welfare Fund must demonstrate that their project provides tangible, positive results and assists residents in adapting to changes to the welfare and benefit system.
Cllr Lyons added: “We encourage applicants to use these grants alongside other local funding to help bring projects to life and demonstrate that there is wider interest in improving welfare across their area and across the county.”
Applications close at 12pm on Monday, February 2. For an online application pack, contact the Local Network Team via email on localnetworks[@]durham[.]gov[.]uk.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
