Soon book clubs, walking groups and other community projects on the Isle of Wight can apply for a share of a £4 million fund - in a bid to help reduce loneliness.
The Local Connections Fund is made up of £2 million from the Government and £2 million from The National Lottery Community Fund.
It will deliver hundreds of small grants worth between £300 and £2,500.
The money is intended to help local organisations bring people and communities together as the country recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.
Welcoming the scheme, the Island's MP Bob Seely said:
“Lockdowns have impacted on people’s mental health so it’s important that we try to keep people connected. This fund can help with that.
“There is some great work being done across the Island already to support those who are lonely or vulnerable and this fund could help to continue, expand or commence new work to ensure people do not feel alone.
“I encourage charities and local interest groups with ideas about how to reduce social isolation to take a look at this fund when it opens.”
Minister for Civil Society, Baroness Barran, said:
“A great way to reduce loneliness is to do something you already enjoy with like-minded people, whether that’s walking, volunteering or joining a book club. During the pandemic I’ve been so impressed with the way community groups have adapted their work to bring people together in new and innovative ways.
“By investing directly in local charities and organisations, the £4 million Local Connections Fund will get support to where it’s needed quickly and help bring people together through shared interests, so that no one needs to feel isolated in the months ahead.”
There will be two rounds of funding – the first will open for applications on 5 January and the second will open next summer.
Funding will be available to small charities and community groups in England with an annual income of £50,000 or less, which are working to reduce loneliness by helping people feel more connected.
Traffic Advice Issued For Walk The Wight
Hovertravel's Hoverbus Showcases All-New Look
Bear Grylls Pays Homage To Young Islander Ginny Following Ultimate Scouting Award
Southern Vectis To Open May Community Fund For Worthy Causes Across Isle Of Wight
Terrorism Plot Teen From Isle Of Wight Further Sentenced
Ryde's Waterside Pool Secures £254,000 Of Government Refurbishment Funding
Flood Warnings Eased But More 'Unsettled' Weather On The Way
Sculpture To Commemorate People Affected By Dementia
Police Appeal Launched Following East Cowes Waitrose Alcohol Theft
Unmanned Dinghy Towed To Safety By Cowes Lifeboat
Red Squirrel Property Shop Ventures Into Dubai Property Market
Isle Of Wight MP Bob Seely Announces Blueprint To Fund A3055 Improvements
New 2024/5 Annual Waste And Recycling Guide Out Soon
Platform One Announces Winner Of 2024 Wight Noize Competition
Royal Duke To Visit As Newport Minster Reopens
Isle Of Wight Council To Support 'No Mow May' 2024
English Coastal Path Complication Amid Osborne House Queen Victoria Collection Fears
Seaview Pub Picks Up National Award
Isle Of Wight Radio Child Of Wight Awards 2024 Nominations Now Open
Fire Service Issues Water Safety And Mud Rescue Advice For Isle Of Wight
