Boost for Lancaster charities and community groups

In the autumn of last year, Lancaster City Council and Lancaster District CVS invited local charities and community groups to apply for the first round of funding from the Lancaster Community Fund to assist in the delivery of projects and activities which would benefit local communities.

The fund is made up of several charity funds donated to Lancaster City Council to support those living in disadvantaged areas in the district.

Applications were assessed by representatives from the city council, health and voluntary sector and the successful applicants were as follows:

*St Thomas' Church Lancaster (Family Life Centre)

*Gaskell Memorial Hall, Silverdale

*Galloway's Society for the Blind

*Ludus Dance

*Achieve, Change and Engagement (ACE)

*St Joseph’s Church, Skerton

*Refugee Advocacy Information and Support

*Four Seasons Allotments (a growing community)

*GIVE - the people's charity hub

*SAFE

*Lancaster & District Men's Shed

*Palatine Projects

*West End Players

*Out in the Bay

Councillor Jean Parr, Cabinet member with responsibility for community health and wellbeing, said: “Congratulations go to all the successful voluntary groups and organisations who are committed to pulling out all the stops in providing services, activities, advice and support for others or simply somewhere to go when life becomes a struggle.

“As a council we cannot thank the voluntary sector enough for the vital work they do to enrich the lives of others and it is hoped that the funding will help some of them to maintain and build on the great things they are already doing.”

Applications for grants of up to £1,000 are now being invited for the next round of funding from the Lancaster District Community Grant. Deadline for applications – Sunday, January 31 2021.

Applications are also being invited for funding from the Urgent Response Fund from charities and community groups needing resources to support the health and wellbeing needs of vulnerable members of the community in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

For more information on the Lancaster Community Fund and Urgent Response Fund, visit www.lancastercvs.org.uk/funding.

Alternatively, applicants can email [email protected] or telephone 01524 555900.