BOLTON’S community groups, voluntary organisations and charities are being invited to apply for cash grants from a new investment programme.

The eight housing associations which form Bolton Community Homes (BCH), including Bolton At Home, are making money available to fund community projects helping tenants and residents.

Groups can apply for up to £500 to support projects that help people in tackling poverty, community Cohesion, environment, healthier and active ageing and youth.

Officials from Bolton At Home have given examples of the types of activities under the categories which would be deemed suitable.

They included supporting people to relieve financial pressures and reduce poverty with an example being a sewing group helping with school uniforms.

For community cohesion they gave an example as covid-safe family fun activities and for environment helping maintain gardens and communal areas or organising a clean-up.

For older people they said dance classes to improve fitness would be suitable and for teenagers running a youth group.

Andrew Brown, chairman of Bolton Community Homes (BCH), said: “The new fund will give more groups an opportunity to apply for funding and make a difference by delivering positive benefits for our communities.

“If your group has an idea that will help make a difference for our communities, we’d love to hear from you.”

Bolton CVS will manage the grants programme on behalf of BCH.

Volunteer, trained grant assessors from across the community will assess all applications separately.

More details are on the Bolton CVS website at www.boltoncvs.org.uk/bolton-community-homes.