A TOTAL of £100,000 has been set aside to support groups that work with children and young people across Trafford.

Organisations can apply for a share of the cash from Trafford Housing Trust (THT) to help youngsters feel more comfortable at school.

This could be by providing essential school clothing, equipment, supplies and holiday food and activity support for children and families.

Eligible groups can apply for up to £25,000 from the Children Support Grant fund, but THT has indicated most grants are not expected to exceed between £10,000 and £15,000.

The new grant is set to replace THT’s Active Appetites programme, which since its launch has awarded grants in excess of £220,000 to community groups across just under 50 different projects.

Applications for the Children Support Grant opened on Monday, January 10, and will be open until a deadline of February 21.

Zoe Taylor, support manager at Trafford Housing Trust, said: “We are encouraging schools and groups to set up school supplies support, such as a second-hand uniform shop supplying emergency shoes, winter coats, stationary, books, essential equipment and school bags.

“We would also like to see local organisations and schools provide free or subsidised access to school related equipment and materials, whilst also providing essential food during one or more of the 2022 holidays from Easter through to Christmas.”

Larry Gold, chief executive at Trafford Housing Trust, said: “We are looking forward to hearing from groups throughout the borough that we can work with to supply the vital support that families and young people desperately need.

“The rising cost of living, coupled with the impact of the Covid pandemic, has made buying school essentials very difficult for a lot of people, so we’re pleased to be working with these incredible support groups to help those who need it most.”

For information and to apply for a grant, you can visit traffordhousingtrust.co.uk/advice-and-support/trafford-children-support-grant/.

To discuss an application with Trafford Housing Trust, you can contact communities@traffordhousingtrust.co.uk or call 0161 968 0151.