TRAFFORD faith and community groups could benefit from a cash injection aimed at improving the lives of isolated and vulnerable residents.

The local authority recently invested £40,000 into a ‘community cohesion forum’ after recognising more could be done to improve ‘social inclusion’.

A council report also stated that while Trafford is the ‘safest’ borough in Greater Manchester, more needed to be done to reduce hate crime and prevent rationalisation.

In addition, the authority plans to reduce the number of socially isolated and vulnerable residents in the borough.

Each community or faith group can apply for funding up to a maximum of £5,000, but an ‘exceptional’ project could receive £10,000.

“Trafford has a diverse community, with many faiths and cultures across our borough”, stated the report.

“However, the council recognises that more could be done to improve social inclusion of isolated residents and ensure faiths and cultures live together positively and without fear.”

The report continued: “The community cohesion forum will bring together faith and community leaders and public agencies to tackle challenges and take opportunities. Trafford Council is making £40,000 available to support the work of the forum, which will be used to support local projects to improve cohesion and inclusion.”

Project organisers are interested in supporting projects that bring different faiths and communities together.

In addition, the scheme is aimed at supporting young people, single adults and families from being isolated by ‘creating opportunities for people to engage with each other’.

For information on the project visit partnershipsteam@trafford.gov.uk.