Funding for ideas that tackle isolation

Leeds Community Foundation launches new programme to support carers and people living with dementia

Leeds Community Foundation (LCF) has launched a series of Small Fund programmes, in partnership with Time to Shine, to help third sector groups develop ways of reducing loneliness and isolation and strengthen communities, benefiting older people.

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Old and young play bingo at Middleton Elderly Aid

Out of the Shadows: Time to Shine is managed by Leeds Older People’s Forum (LOPF) and funded by the Big Lottery Fund’s Fulfilling Lives: Ageing Better programme to reduce social isolation and loneliness amongst people over 50. LOPF secured approximately £6 million from the Big Lottery Fund to enable them to reach more than 15,000 older people in the city by 2021.

LCF, a catalyst for positive change, will be managing two funding programmes per year for the next six years, focusing on a variety of areas of need. The first round will be looking for applications from community groups and charities that have innovative ideas to support carers and older people living with dementia.

Applicants can apply for awards of between £5,000 and £10,000 to support their innovative projects and services. Ideas for activities include:

  • Mentoring, buddying or befriending roles to help increase access to other services / activities
  • Innovative campaigns or activities in a specific local area to target and engage “new” people that may not have had access to information before, or that use different partners, including the private sector and others

Rachel Koivunen, Time to Shine Project Manager, said:

“We are delighted to be working with LCF and are excited to see what activity and services develop through this funding. This is a great opportunity for community groups and charities to gain additional skills and capacity to deliver new, innovative ideas that reach socially isolated older people in their local communities.”

Sally-Anne Greenfield, Chief Executive of Leeds Community Foundation, said:

“Social isolation is a major issue, especially within the elderly. We are thrilled to have been selected as a delivery partner for Time to Shine, and through our themed funding programmes we hope to reach a variety of older people who need our support.”

The Time to Shine Small Funds programme is now open for applications until Monday 18 January 2016. Guidance and application forms are available to download from www.leedscf.org.uk/time-to- shine.

 

 

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