Voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations are being invited to apply for a share of a new £350k grant fund created by Westmorland and Furness Council to provide money advice services to local communities.

The “Money Advice Outreach Fund” will provide one-off grants to establish money advice services delivered in local centres and close to the communities who need it most. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 13 October 2023.

The council is welcoming applications from organisations with a track record of providing good quality money advice services – such as debt management, budgeting advice, cost of living support, benefits advice, and mortgage/rent advice.

Applicants will also be required to provide clear evidence and information to support their proposal to deliver the service in particular locations and venues, providing a full description on how they intend to reach those who need their service.

Cllr Judith Derbyshire, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness with Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “This grant fund will support the council’s ambition to ensure our area is a great place to live, work and thrive. We want to place people at the centre of everything we do, support them to live healthy lives, and reduce inequality.

“That’s why we’re investing a significant amount of funding into the Money Advice Outreach Fund – to help alleviate poverty, meet people’s welfare needs, and help people manage and maximise their income.

“We’re looking for organisations who can deliver these services directly within our communities who need it most – to reduce the need to travel as well as other barriers to accessing services like this. We want to make sure nobody is left behind by the cost-of-living crisis and I’m really looking forward to seeing the impact this fund has on local people.

“If you’re interested but have questions or need support filling out the application form, please get in touch with us.”

To apply for a share of the Money Advice Outreach Fund, please download an application form (click File and then download in Google Drive) and return it to simon.blyth@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk before 5pm on Friday 13 October 2023.