Cash for Teignbridge community projects

£10,000 available for covid support schemes

Funding of up to £10,000 is now available for voluntary and community groups to deliver a range of covid support in Teignbridge.

The Covid Community Hardship fund, which totals £50,000 and is part of a number of covid support packages being provided by the district council for some of its most vulnerable residents, can be used for projects that deliver against priorities identified by the council through its work with local communities; improving digital access, reducing loneliness, and improving mental health.

Executive member for Communities, Councillor Martin Wrigley, said: “This pandemic has made life really tough for many people in our communities, and the rural nature of Teignbridge and Devon has compounded issues of isolation and loneliness being felt by too many of us.

“Community groups have been amazing and formed the backbone of support.  They have been responding to local need and been a helping hand reaching out to people who don’t have support networks of their own.

“We’ve created this fund to help these groups to continue their valuable work, and in particular helping to tackle social isolation and the resulting impacts it can have on our mental health. 

“The effects of this time will be felt for many years to come.  It’s vitally important that we do everything we can to reduce the impact on people’s mental health as early as possible.”

Any groups applying for funding must have formal governance arrangements, such as a Community Interest Company or registered charity status.

The funding can cover delivery of activities that achieve at least one of the three priorities, but cannot be used to fund core activities or for fundraising.  The projects will need to be completed within 12 months.

For further information and an application form please contact Rebecca Hewitt.  The closing date for applications is 19 February, and final decisions will be made by Monday 1 March.