The Torbay Community Investment Fund (CIF) grant scheme for 2021 is now open. Applications are welcomed from community groups, voluntary organisations and social enterprises in Torbay who want to work in partnership with us to improve the health and wellbeing of the people who live here.

The Community Investment Fund is one off funding that has been awarded to the community and voluntary sector by us as part of the Council Tax precept to increase the offer and amount of activity that is available in the community to support the health and wellbeing needs and prevent ill health by providing activities and services for local people to support their independence; provide advice and information; deliver help with challenges related to loneliness and isolation; enhance supportive neighbourhoods and to encourage support and innovation.

The 2021 grant scheme will look to build on the learning and community cohesion that was successfully developed in response to the pandemic in 2020/21.

New grant awards must complement the objectives of our Adult Social Care three-year plan to improve capacity and resilience in the voluntary and community sector to provide activity and infrastructure as alternatives to statutory services. Projects will need to meet one or more of the following priorities:

1. Support adults experiencing loneliness and isolation.
2. Support adults experiencing financial hardship, or at risk of homelessness.
3. Support our communities to maintain and promote good mental health.
4. Support Digital access and inclusion.
5. Support strengths-based development in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector and our neighbourhoods
6. Support the local community by developing new, or expanding existing volunteering opportunities.
7. Support potential and actual victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Steve Darling commented; ‘Our communities in Torbay came together like never before during the pandemic. This has resulted in a much enhanced and collaborative way of working with the voluntary sector and statutory partners in Torbay. I am really excited that this fund will help us ride this wave of new working so that both the voluntary sector and public sector can achieve new heights in supporting our communities in the Bay.’

The Torbay Health and Wellbeing Voluntary Sector Network is managing the CIF grants scheme, supported by Torbay Community Development Trust (TCDT) - who will administer the Fund on our behalf.

Simon Sherbersky, Strategic Director for TCDT; “Torbay Community Development will be administering the fund on behalf of adult social care and the voluntary sector network and are pleased to be able to support this much needed funding to support the priorities outlined.”

 

Find out more - Community Investment Fund online event - Wednesday 23 June at 3pm

The Torbay Health and Wellbeing Voluntary Sector Network is inviting anyone interested in applying for the CIF fund to find out more at an online event which will take place on Wednesday 23 June at 3pm.

Robin Causley, Community Funding Advisor for the TCDT and Steve Honeywill, Head of Partnership and People for Torbay Council, will explain in detail the voluntary sector’s position, the application processes and will also provide a dedicated breakout session for any questions you may have.

To register for the online event, please email jasmine.allen@torbaycitizensadvice.org.uk 07765012551.

For further information about the CIF grant and an application form is available at Torbay Community Development Trust (torbaycdt.org.uk)

The closing date for applications is midnight, Sunday 1 August 2021.