Wellbeing events fund opens for third round of bidding

September 3, 2019 by Joanna

A funding stream to set up events and activities across the borough is open to bids from event organisers and local organisations. 

Following on from the two previous funding streams - the first in October 2018 and the second in February 2019 – the council is excited to announce the third round of bidding is now open for the Southend Culture and Wellbeing small grants.

The first two rounds proved very popular, with a wide-ranging variety of ideas submitted by bidders, many of whom have gone on to or are in the process of hosting successful events in the town.  These have included “Open Arts” series of creative arts sessions for adults with mental health needs and their carers, a community film project and a choir set up for health and wellbeing, encouraging participation from adults with a range of mental and physical needs.

The Southend Culture and Wellbeing small grants cater for different types of events and projects, from cultural and wellbeing events, to night time safety and support services. There is an expectation that funding applied for will be match funded by other sources.

Cllr Kevin Robinson, cabinet member for business, culture and tourism, said: “The first two rounds of this grant scheme have been fantastic, and we have been able to help fund some brilliant events across the borough.

“It is great to see local people and local businesses come together to host events that really make a difference locally.”

Cllr Trevor Harp, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “The events and activities that this stream helps to fund will ensure we can directly impact and improve local people’s health and wellbeing.

“Being active can have a huge impact on an individual’s health and wellbeing, and so I urge everyone with an idea to submit a bid, and I wish everyone the best of luck.”

All applications will be reviewed and scored by council officers, with the winners announced in mid-October.

Southend Culture and Wellbeing small grants

The Southend Culture and Wellbeing small grants has a £35,000 pot, following a boost of £10,000 from ActiveEssex and ActiveSouthend. Bids for this stream can be anything between £250 - £2,000. However, a minimum of £10,000 will be directly allocated to projects seeking to support those who are physically inactive to become active.

This fund is aimed at delivering projects that meet one or more of the following criteria:

·         Increase participation in cultural activities

·         Reduce the number of inactive people within Southend

·         Support the regeneration of the borough through a culture led agenda

·         Use arts and culture to improve public health and wellbeing across Southend

Bidders will be able to apply for a maximum of £2,000. There is an expectation that funding applied for will be match funded by other sources and that all projects or events will take place within the borough.

Closing date for applications is 5pm Friday 4 October 2019.

Examples of events include arts and crafts, group fitness activities, mental wellbeing events, art exhibitions and much more. Projects must be delivered by no later than Tuesday 31 March 2020.

To find out more or to submit a bid, please visit our website, or email culturalwellbeing@southend.gov.uk