Groups in Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh wards invited to apply for financial COVID booster

Groups from across the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh ward of The Highland Council are being invited to apply for a “financial COVID booster” through a share of the local Community Based Fund.

At the August meeting of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Area Committee members agreed to allocate £60,000 to be invested in community-led projects being delivered by local constituted groups.

The fund has been set up to help strengthen communities where COVID-19 has exposed gaps

The second of two rounds of funding is now open for groups in Ward 5 to apply for up to £5,000 of support.

Chair of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh committee, Councillor Ian Cockburn said: “The Highland Council is very aware, and hugely appreciative, of the wide range of voluntary groups and organisations who have played such a valuable role in the humanitarian response to COVID-19.

"We also know that people living in communities are best placed to have identified what worked, what didn’t and what is needed to build a stronger, more resilient community. I would encourage all groups to get their applications submitted before the closing date of 10 January 2022.”

Groups who run projects or activities that address one or more of the following four impacts of COVID-19 are encouraged to apply:                                                                                                                            

• The direct harm people have experienced through contracting the virus
• The wider impact on health or social care due to the impact on services and how people can or can’t access these services.
• The social impacts as a result of the measures put in place to slow the spread of the virus.
• Economic impacts 

Projects with match funding will be prioritised. However, 100% funding could be made available for exceptional projects.

The second round is now open for applications from constituted community groups, with a closing date of Monday 10 January 2022.

The application form is the same one used for the Highland Council Ward Discretionary Fund and can be found on the Highland Council Website here:

Grants - Ward Discretionary Fund  or search ‘Grants for Communities’ at www.highland.gov.uk

Anyone requiring any further information or advice can contact the Community Support Co-ordinator for Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh  lynn.frost@highland.gov.uk