A FUNDING programme for community groups is looking to help more projects in and around Durham.

County Durham Housing Group’s group grant scheme has helped dozens of projects in Durham city and its surrounding areas.

The programme has already supported a boxing club in Belmont and activities for older people in Ushaw Moor, among others.

More than £50,000 has been allocated to community projects right across County Durham since group grant was launched in July 2017.

The scheme provides grants of up to £500 and is designed to help new groups take their first steps as well as supporting longstanding organisations.

The application process has been kept deliberately simple and funding decisions are made monthly to ensure groups are not waiting for lengthy periods to find out if they have been successful.

Any community organisation, non-profit making group, charity or school working in and around Durham city is eligible for the scheme.

County Durham Housing Group Funding Officer, Damian Pearson, said: “Whether it’s a clothing bank in Brandon, literature work with children in Framwellgate or exercise classes for older people in Langley Moor, we’ve provided funding for organisations to make it happen. But we’re on the lookout for more great ideas that could make a real impact in communities all around the Durham city area.

“The process is really straightforward and has been designed with smaller groups in mind. We don’t ask for reams and reams of paperwork, we’re friendly and approachable. The main criteria we have is that the work we’re funding helps people and communities in Durham.”

Full details available at www.countydurhamhousinggroup.co.uk/groupgrant, by calling 0300 1311 999 or emailing groupgrant@cdhg.co.uk.