GROUPS from across Trafford who help alleviate social isolation have received a share of £30,000 in grants.

Earlier this year Trafford Council launched the Advancing Equality Grant Fund 2014 – offering grants of up to £5,000 to fund innovative ideas to reduce social isolation in Trafford communities.

The Fund invited bids from voluntary and community organisations with innovative ideas to support isolated sections of the community to engage in activity and foster new community relationships.

A spokesman for Trafford Council said: “The fund was hugely popular, with almost 50 applications vying for a slice of the £30,000 pot.

“A panel made up of representatives from the Diverse Communities Partnership reviewed the applications and selected the strong ten to receive funding.”

The ten groups to benefit are: The Artism Society of Artists, St John’s Centre, Sale West Community Urban Trust, Trafford Carers Centre, Beat Bazaar Projects, Touchdown Dance, Trafford Blind and Deaf Club, Trafford Older LGBT Group Listening Project, Bath Crescent Social Committee and Old Trafford Heritage and History Group.

Chairman of the Diverse Communities Partnership, Ralph Rudden, who launched the fund, saide:“Social isolation can be an issue for anyone. The ten projects funded through the Advancing Equality Grants 2014-15 will make a huge difference to vulnerable people in Trafford communities and provide a vital lifeline for isolated residents.”

Further detail of the projects and how to get involved is available at the Thrive Trafford website thrivetrafford.org.uk.