MIDDLESBROUGH residents are being invited to apply for funds of up to £5,000 to make positive changes to life in their community.

The Empower Middlesbrough Community Action Fund will provide grants to fund community-led projects across a wide range of areas like learning, health and employment.

Examples of projects that could be considering for funding include a food growing project to promote healthy lifestyles, a homework club and a local meet-up to tackle loneliness and social isolation.

The project will see Middlesbrough Council and its partners work with residents and community groups to make sure that everyone can live a healthy, happy and secure life.

A number of drop-in sessions have been organised and will take place at Neptune Centre Community Hub/Library – Thursday, May 2 - 10am to 2pm, Breckon Hill Community Centre – Tuesday, May 7 – 11am to 2pm and North Ormesby Community Hub – Monday, June 3 – 11am to 2pm.

An application form for the Community Action Fund can be found on the Empower Middlesbrough website www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/empower

Funding is usually awarded within four to six weeks from application.