Community groups can be in the money

People across Perth and Kinross are being encouraged to apply for a grant to help community groups which benefit people’s health and wellbeing.

A series of information sessions are set to be held across the region to learn more about NHS Tayside’s community innovation fund, which aims to develop improvement projects across the area to benefit the wellbeing of everyone in Perth and Kinross.

Richard McIntosh, community capacity building officer with NHS Tayside said:“We are holding these drop in sessions so that anyone with an idea that would help their local community can come along and have a chat with us and find out more about how we can help. Often people just need a little support and funding to get started.

“The fund can really go to the heart of a community to make a difference, supporting local people to make decisions about the changes they want to see to help them improve the health, wellbeing and resilience of their own communities.

“The fund hopes to support new, innovative projects which will work in partnership with communities in disadvantaged areas, promoting quality of life, overall health and wellbeing and creating a stronger sense of community and social relationships.”

The first of theses meetings will be held on Monday, November 6 at Wisecraft on Lower Mill Street in Blairgowrie, followed by a meeting on Wednesday, November 8, at Loch Leven Community Campus in Kinross.

There are also meetings on Friday, November 10, at Tulloch Community Centre in Perth and again on Monday, November 13, at the Atholl Centre in Pitlochry.

A final event will be held on Wednesday, November 15, at Remake in Crieff Visitor Centre on Muthill Road. All sessions run from noon until 2pm.

Groups can apply for between £500 and £25,000 of funding over a three year period to set up new projects in their area. Those interested in applying can do so online at www.community innovation fundt ayside. scot.nhs.uk