Voluntary and Community Sector - invitations to bid

To support The Borough that Cares Strategic Framework 2022-25 the Council is inviting applications for grant funding from suitable non statutory organisations or groups (either new or existing, including user led, small and medium sized enterprises, social enterprises, voluntary and community sector and similar organisations) that work or propose to work with and help identify unpaid adult carers and improve their wellbeing.

This funding is not available to organisations that support young carers under the age of 18.

Wellbeing is defined as – (noun) the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.

Evidence shows that:

• more of us are becoming carers. This can mean providing care all day, every day, or for just a few hours a week.
• whatever the situation, caring can have an enormous impact on a person’s life and health.
• that individuals may not identify themselves as carers, but instead view their role as being a parent, partner, or friend.
• significant numbers of households are struggling with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. Carers UK recently reported that “nearly all carers who are struggling to make ends meet (93%) agreed that the increase in the cost of living was having a negative impact on their mental and physical health”.

We know that community organisations and groups can very often have an immediate impact on people and can help to link them into their local community, these grants will improve carer wellbeing and help raise awareness of the challenges faced by carers in local communities.

The Grants

The grants will support carer’s wellbeing by:

• identifying carers, 18 yrs or over, who provide unpaid help and support to a partner, relative, friend, or neighbour who cannot manage without the carer’s help.
• benefiting carers that are socially isolated.
• helping build resilience so that unpaid carers are better equipped to face current social and economic challenges though the provision of wellbeing support and activities.

Expected Outcomes

Funded projects and activities will help create carer friendly communities and work towards individual carers feeling happy and healthy and comfortable.

The funded projects and activities will be based on one or more of the following wellbeing themes:

Connecting – improving social and community connections, talking and listen to others including peer support.

Being active – sport, exercise, accessing nature and creative activities

Learning and Opportunity – embracing new experiences and seeking new opportunities.

Application, funding and timescales

This funding is available to organisations/groups who can provide services/activities in the Rotherham Bourgh and understand the Boroughs communities.

A budget of £100,000 has been allocated to this grant.

The maximum grant amount that can be applied for is £5,000.

Projects and activities funded must be delivered by 31st March 2024. There is no commitment to funding beyond this date.

Applicants should demonstrate how the project/activity will:

• Achieve clear wellbeing outcomes for adult unpaid carers
• Meet the grant conditions
• Identify an ongoing positive impact for carers when the project ends.

A panel will consider the grant applications periodically until July 2023 or until all funds are allocated, whichever is sooner.

Click here for the application guidance and frequently asked questions.

Click here for the grant conditions

How to apply:

Click here to download the application form. Complete it and return to commissioningenquiries@rotherham.gov.uk.

Should you have any questions, please contact Claire Raw on 01709 822834.