Voluntary and community groups in the Crook, Willington and Tow Law areas can apply for a slice of thousands of pounds in funding to support a range of initiatives.

Durham County Council’s 3 Towns Area Action Partnership (AAP) has launched a call for groups to apply for money from three different pots.

The organisation’s Community Recovery Call Out has £118,859 available. Projects to benefit from funding should address issues such as employability, mental health and wellbeing, food provision and support as well as social isolation.  

It could also be used to support the voluntary and community sector, assist small businesses (through a third party which is not-for-profit) or improve the local environment and help with the fight against climate change.

Funding of £10,000 is available from the Healthier Relationships Call Out. This aims to support community-led initiatives which improve support to children and young people around sensitive topics such as domestic abuse. It also ensures that there is a greater focus on prevention and early intervention.

The partnership also has funding available for its Fun and Food Christmas programme. The money should be used to provide enjoyable activities for children, young people and families during the Christmas holiday. Applicants can apply for amounts over £500 and a healthy meal must be provided as part of the activity.

Mary Hall, 3 Towns Partnership chair, said: “We hope there will be much interest from community groups in accessing this significant funding.

“It will help to benefit our communities in various different ways, whether it be through improving people’s mental health, reducing social isolation or giving families a better Christmas.”

The deadline for applying for funding from the Fun and Food Christmas programme is 12pm on Wednesday 19 October.

The closing date to apply for funding from the Community Recovery and Healthier Relationships Call Outs is 12pm on Monday 24 October.

Application forms to apply for the funding can be requested from the 3 Towns Partnership by calling 03000 267539 or emailing threetownsaap@durham.gov.uk

To find out more about the 3 Towns Partnership go to www.durham.gov.uk/3townsaap