Community groups in Bury are being offered grants to help residents improve their health and wellbeing.

A new £50,000 community funding has been launched by the council, working alongside Bury Voluntary, Community and Faith Alliance (VCFA), with funding from Sport England via GM Moving.

Local groups and organisations can apply for small grants of up to £1,000 to support people to move more, with the aim of improving wellbeing and build healthier, happier and more connected communities.

The first round of the programme is open to groups based in North Bury and the Whitefield neighbourhoods.

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Community groups, faith groups, charities, social enterprises, voluntary groups, clubs, societies and schools can all apply before the deadline of June 30.

Cllr Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “No matter your age, background or ability, moving more can help improve people's lives, health and wellbeing.

“Everyone should feel able to be active and enjoy those benefits. We know that local groups are rooted in their community which is why we are taking a neighbourhood approach to try and reach as many people as possible.

“All kinds of projects can potentially receive funding through this fund, as long as they have a focus on helping people to move more. Let’s get Bury moving more, living well and feeling good!”

Marie Wilson, partnership and policy manager at Bury VCFA, said: “Over a third of all voluntary and community groups in Bury support residents to move more through physical activity and movement.

"From social gardening and walking through to competitive sport, I see from groups daily how movement can be a powerful tool to connect people and communities via a shared interest.

"I can’t wait to see what bids come forward as I know that the local groups in Bury will have some brilliant ideas!”

All applications to the fund must be for projects to be delivered within the North or Whitefield neighbourhoods of Bury. Future funding rounds will be held over the next 12 months for other neighbourhoods.

Projects must provide the opportunity to increase movement and physical activity and the council is keen to hear from projects which are supporting children, young people and families, helping older people to lead more active lives and assisting residents with long-term health conditions.

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 A "Meet the Funder" session is being arranged for Wednesday, May 22 where interested groups can learn more about the programme.

To book your place visit the Bury VCFA Website.

Bury VCFA can also provide support and answer any specific queries that you may have. For more information, contact grants@buryvcfa.org.uk.

For full eligibility criteria and to apply, visit: www.buryvcfa.org.uk/grants