New grants scheme will promote equality (From Messenger Newspapers)

New grants scheme will promote equality

4:12pm Tuesday 12th June 2012 in News

TRAFFORD Council is launching a new voluntary sector grants scheme which aims to promote and advance equality in the borough.

In total, £120,000 is up for grabs for groups and organisations that can help eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relationships between groups in the borough.

This funding is in addition to the Neighbourhood Voluntary Sector Grants Scheme that was launched earlier this year and means that the council has launched a total of £320,000 worth of voluntary sector grants this year.

This reaffirms the council's commitment to the community and voluntary sector in Trafford.

This year, the council is particularly interested in projects that contribute to the reduction of hate crime and improve health inequalities with vulnerable groups in Trafford.

The grants scheme has been produced in partnership with the Diverse Communities Board, a group of Trafford residents and groups that support communities of interest and identity in Trafford. This board will also form a panel to help decide what should be funded.

A launch event for the grants scheme will take place on June 13 from 5-6pm at the Trafford Centre for Independent Living (CiL) in Sale.

Executive councillor for Safe and strong communities, Jonathan Coupe, said: "I am delighted that the CiL will host the launch as it is a brilliant advocate of promoting and advancing equality in our borough with an excellent track record of supporting deaf and disabled people to live independent and fulfilled lives.

"The council is committed to supporting the community and voluntary sector in Trafford and all organisations and groups interested in applying for the grants scheme are invited to attend the launch event to find out more."

Application forms and guidance notes will be available from www.trafford.gov.uk from June 13.

If you would like further information contact Trafford Council's Partnerships Team on 0161 912 4014 or e-mail partnershipsteam@trafford.gov.uk