Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Council for Voluntary Service have been appointed by Eric Wright Charitable Trust to deliver a community small grants programme. The programme is aimed at local organisations (with an annual turnover of less than £30,000) within the VCF sector providing activity to address locality community cohesion, reduce social isolation and make a positive difference to the lives and wellbeing of people of all ages.

Projects should strongly support specific local needs in the following key areas:

• Increasing opportunities to participate in local community action and activity
• Keeping people well and feeling part of their community
• Increasing resilience and improving mental wellbeing, enabling individuals and families to cope well, overcome barriers to achieving their potential and increase their skills
• Support people who are more vulnerable, such as those with long term conditions, who are frail and/or have complex needs
• Promoting greater partnership working between the community and services, and other VCF organisations
• Reduce social isolation, with a positive impact on health and wellbeing