Community groups, charities and voluntary organisations in West Suffolk can now apply for Community Chest funding for 2020/21.

West Suffolk Council is to make more than £350,000 available as it looks to invest in community projects to improve the lives of local residents.

Money is available to local projects that can help strengthen families and empower communities so that they can better support themselves.

Since it launched in 2015, the Council has invested in a range of community based initiatives, to help, for example, young people who have lost direction, gain a sense of purpose and integrate them back into their local community. Other initiatives have been funded to break down stereotypes to bring generations closer together and develop a better understanding of each other. Community Chest has also been used to provide support to parents and families before they reach crisis point, and to help people overcome social isolation and loneliness.

Cllr Robert Everitt, Cabinet Member for Families and Communities at West Suffolk Council said: “Our belief is that by investing in our communities, we can help combat issues before they lead to bigger problems We know that social isolation and loneliness takes a huge toll on people’s physical and mental health, while family crises, without support, can have a deep and lasting impact on children that will continue into their adulthood.

Across West Suffolk there are some great community organisations and charities that have a wealth of knowledge, experience and a desire to help – and we are looking to invest in their ideas to further improve the lives and experiences of West Suffolk residents.”

The deadline for applications is 30 September at 12noon. A decision on the grants will be made later this year with successful bids paid in April 2020.

To apply, and for more information on application criteria, visit https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/community/community-grants.cfm