Grants to support residents’ mental health launched

Ashfield District Council has launched a Green Activity Grant Scheme to support local community organisations that provide opportunities for Ashfield residents that benefit their mental health.

Eligible groups will be able to apply for grants of up to £1000, funded by part of the Council’s £3.2 million UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The grant can be used to fund activities include walking, cycling, or wheeling groups, purchasing equipment for gardening and growing activities, and buying tools or equipment to help wildlife groups. These are just a few examples and is not an exhaustive list of eligible activities.

Previous community groups that have benefited from a similar grant handed out by the Council have provided lots of positive feedback about how the funding has helped their members’ mental health, improved skills, supported healthy eating and lifestyles. 

Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “This is another fantastic grant scheme that we are very proud to be able to offer. Supporting mental health is hugely important to the Council and it has been proven that spending time outdoors regularly can improve mental wellbeing so this grant scheme will benefit hundreds of residents.

“Our community organisations and charities in Ashfield all do a valuable job of offering support and services to some of the most vulnerable people in the District and we will continue to fund them to carry out their incredible work.”

Community groups and organisations that aim to improve and support residents’ mental health through the great outdoors, can apply for the funding by visiting the Council’s website.

The Green Activity Grant Scheme will be issued on a first come, first served basis until all the funds have been allocated.