WORCESTER groups are being invited to apply for council cash that will help fund their projects benefitting local people and communities.

Worcester City Council has set aside £25,000 through the Our Happy Place Partnership, to match-fund local initiatives improving the lives or environment of residents living in Warndon, Gorse Hill and Rainbow Hill.

Groups can apply for a grant of up to £2,000, that matches the cost of a project clearly meeting the specific needs of a people, solving a problem, or improving residents' quality of life.

Only projects that can be completed by August 31 are eligible.

Applications must be from groups of residents, over the age of 13-years-old, and schemes must look to either connect more people to learning, skills, training and employment opportunities, or encourage and equip people so they can further their development.

A panel made up of three Warndon residents, chaired by ward councillor Jo Hodges, assesses all the applications.

Among the groups that have already benefitted is Two Pennies Money Advice, which teaches people budgeting skills

Cllr Hodges said: “I am very pleased these grants are being used to make a real difference.

“So far they have funded a scheme to get people learning online skills, a youth and parents support group and a project which up-skills volunteers to deliver healthy breakfasts to older people.”

Community or voluntary groups in the three areas are invited to apply, either online or by post, before the final deadline of Friday, February 26.

To find out more about applying, or to submit an application, visit worcester.gov.uk/our-happy-place-community-grants.

Anyone with questions can call Francesca Davies on 01905 721131 or email Francesca.davies@worcester.gov.uk.