New funding to tackle loneliness and social isolation

New financial support is now available to support voluntary and community groups across the borough to collaborate on tackling loneliness and isolation.

A sum of £100,000 is available to fund innovative collaborative projects to tackle social isolation created by the long and varied lockdown measures.

The funding will be split by Community Hub area, meaning there will be up to £20,000 to bid for in each of the five neighbourhoods: Prestwich, Whitefield, Bury East, Bury North and Bury West (including Radcliffe).

Councillor Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “The pandemic has caused many people’s mental health to suffer, and we are fully committed to tackling both the cause and effect of loneliness. Everyone has a part to play in this and the funding available will allow local groups to support those in their communities, reduce isolation and increase connections which is so important for a person’s wellbeing.”

Priority will be given to collaborative bids. If you are unsure about opportunities to connect with other organisations on your submissions and to develop ideas further please contact funding@buryvcfa.org.uk

Organisations have until 8 March 2021 to submit their bids, and the application form is available through www.bury.gov.uk/coronavirus-communitysupport or by emailing corporate.core@bury.gov.uk

This funding follows the recent announcement of £33,000 being made available to support the resilience of Community and Voluntary organisations in the borough to ensure such organisations can continue to offer support to those who most need it.

ENDS

Press release issued: 9 February 2021.