AN ORGANISATION dedicated to supporting coalfield communities has unveiled a £500,000 fund to help boost the work of organisations in hard-pressed areas.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust has announced the fund in support of its Coalfields Community Investment Programme.

In line with is strategy to improve the employment opportunities, skills and health and wellbeing of those living within coalfield communities, the programme will provide community organisations that can demonstrate how the investments will be used to impact on these areas.

The fund will provide up to £10,000 per application, with the first decision-making panel meeting in April.

Andy Lock, the head of operations for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, said: “We know that coalfield communities need further resource in order to support community groups and initiatives that have an impact locally.

“The Coalfields Community Investment Programme can support these organisations and give them the assistance they need to continue to deliver the essential services they offer.”

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust was launched in 1999.

Since that time more than 2m people have benefited from support delivered by the organisation.

In addition, 25,342 people have been supported into work, 5,375 jobs have been created or safeguarded, more than 1.3m people have improved skills and qualifications and 225,452 people have participated in activities that have improved health.

For further details about the Coalfields Community Investment programme visit www.coalfields-regen.co.uk.