Grants to help improve residents’ health and wellbeing

A new £50,000 community funding pot to help get people moving and improve their wellbeing has been launched.

The scheme has been opened by Bury Council, working alongside Bury Voluntary, Community and Faith Alliance (VCFA), with funding from Sport England via GM Moving.

Moving more is one of the main ways to improve wellbeing and build healthier, happier and more connected neighbourhoods. This funding recognises the key role that local groups and organisations make within neighbourhoods and aims to unlock their expertise via small grants of up to £1,000 to support people to move more.

The first round of the programme is open to groups based in North Bury and the Whitefield neighbourhoods. Community groups, faith groups, charities, social enterprises, voluntary groups, clubs, societies and schools can all apply before the deadline of 30 June.

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

Councillor 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 we are particularly keen to hear from projects supporting:

• Children, young people and families
• Older people, to lead more active lives

• Residents with long-term health conditions

A ‘Meet the Funder’ session is being arranged for 22 May 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.

ENDS

Press release issued: 10 May 2024

Notes for editors

Bury’s Place Based Working is funded via GM Moving by Sport England. For more information please see https://www.gmmoving.co.uk/commitments/in-place/place-partners