Over £400k made available for community groups to help county thrive
The Thriving Communities Grant programme aims to invest in Gloucestershire’s communities to help local organisations with projects that help people to stay well, and support them to live independently for as long as possible.
Applications for grant funding open on Monday 2 September 2024 and will close on Sunday 13 October 2024.
Since 2018, the Thriving Communities Grant has supported over 310 projects, investing £2.4 million in local groups. The funding has helped community and voluntary organisations to connect people to their local communities, strengthening ties, reducing isolation, and improving physical and mental wellbeing.
Last year, the council received 137 applications for funding and made 65 individual grant awards ranging from £627 up to the maximum amount of £7,500.
· Elmbridge Warm Welcome Space and Food Hub received £7,500. It helped them increase available activities including yoga, arts groups and adult learning courses, supporting residents to socialise and work together to do enjoyable activities which matter to them.
· Great Oaks Hospice received £7,500. Its bereavement café recruited two new counsellors helping them to support more people who have lost a loved one, adults living with a life limiting illness, their families and friends. Their waiting list for counselling has almost halved and is now at its lowest level since 2021.
· Gloucester Community Network received £5,498.50. It enabled a group of military families from the Forces Hub to enjoy a fully accessible trip to Bletchley Park, supported a ‘Basic Laptop Skills’ course at GL3 Community Hub, and a ‘Wellbeing Matters’ group.
· Abbeymead Rovers received £4,000. The grant supported its walking football club ‘Pirates’ with courts, equipment and kit allowing more people living with a health condition to get active and enjoy this inclusive, fun sport.
· The Roses Theatre received £7,455.00. It created a wide ranging programme of community support for those with Dementia and their carers, including social get-togethers with professionals from local Dementia care teams.
Full details and case studies can be found on our website:
Cllr Carole Allaway-Martin, cabinet member for adult social care commissioning at Gloucestershire County Council said: “I am delighted to see what a positive impact the Thriving Communities Grant is having on such a diverse range of organisations across Gloucestershire.
“It’s wonderful to see the grants helping local groups to support people to stay fit and healthy, reduce isolation and improve general wellbeing.
“Since 2018, we have invested £2.4 million and supported over 310 projects which strengthen local activity and help communities to thrive. I would encourage community and voluntary groups to apply for funding when applications open on 2 September.”