Voluntary and community groups in Warwick can apply for grant funding totalling more than £282,000 per year to deliver four schemes on behalf of the district council to enhance the lives of the area's most vulnerable residents.

Applications are now open with Warwick District Council for bids for funding to carry out four separate programmes over a 33-month period.

This includes the provision of advice, support and representation to the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector; point of need services and assistance to help minimise the likelihood and impact of financial exclusion; the setting up of employment clubs and training opportunities for the unemployed and those on low pay; projects tailored to improving social, mental, physical and financial outcomes for communities in identified priority areas of Brunswick, Lillington East & South, Sydenham West, and West Warwick.

Successful submissions meeting the identified aims of the council, will be awarded funding for the period from 1 July 2023 to 31 March 2026.

Portfolio holder for safer communities, leisure and environment, Cllr Judith Falp commented: "We are very aware of the detrimental impact that the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis is having on the most vulnerable and isolated members of our communities.

"This significant funding will give our frontline partners who are closest to these groups and know their needs best the resources they need to make a real difference to peoples' lives and offer hope for the future."

For full details of the grant scheme including the eligibility criteria visit the council's website. Applications close at 5pm on 25 February 2023.