Moss Side has been selected as one of 600 areas in England to receive Community First funding and local groups are being invited to apply for funds for community activities in Moss Side, Manchester.
Up to £14,000 of government money will be available over the next year to be spent on activities that make Moss Side an even better place to live.
A panel of local people who initially bid for the funding have identified a number of Moss Side-specific priorities, that the money should be spent on. These range from improving services for children and their parents, improving the environment and promoting social cohesion.
Khan Moghal, who is the main contact for the panel that will administer the fund, said: “This means groups who want to improve opportunities for local children, such as, after school and holiday clubs or sports and cultural activities can apply for money.
“Other activities that could be funded might be support services for lone parents or those with caring responsibilities. Alternatively work to improve the local environment, such as making alley play areas or graffiti removal could be funded.”
The funding could also be used to promote community spirit in the area, such as festivals, cultural events and activities that bring young people together. The programme will run until March 2015 and funds will be available during that time.
“This could be a great chance for people to apply early for funds to organise Olympic themed events, given that the Games are nearly upon us,” said Tom Cass, Regeneration Officer for Manchester City Council.
The initiative is funded by the Office for Civil Society, on behalf of the Government. Each group can apply for up to £1,000 but there is nothing to stop groups combining their efforts. All groups applying for funds need to meet certain criteria, such as, they need to be not for profit and have a bank account.
To apply for funding, visit http://mosssidecommunityfirst.blogspot.co.uk/ to download the application form or ring Waseem Tahir on 0161 232 4452.
Notes for editors
Community First is an England-wide programme; funded by the Office for Civil Society, on behalf of the Government. It will run until March 2015. Two funds of money, worth £80m, have been created to help communities come together, become more resilient, and make their local area a better place to live.
Contact
Enquiries c/o Patricia Carmody, Continuous Improvement Manager, Mosscare Housing, 101 Great Western Street, Moss Side, Manchester M14 4AA. Telephone: 0161 232 5693. Email: MossSideCommunity1st@mosscare.org.uk
Website: www.mosscare.org.uk
Community First is funded by the OCS, part of the Cabinet Office, on behalf of the Government and delivered by CDF, in partnership with:Website: www.mosscare.org.uk
