Community groups in East Cambridgeshire can now apply for grants of up to £1,000.

East Cambridgeshire District Council is offering the money to fund new or existing projects that aim to improve the quality of life for residents.

Among the past beneficiaries is Red2Green, a charity supporting individuals with learning disabilities or those on the autistic spectrum.

The charity used the funds to hold coffee mornings, aiding learners in developing their social skills.

Jeanette Fuller from Red2Green said: ‘’Projects like these coffee mornings make a big difference to our learners, it helps them to join in and be a part of the community, learn new independent skills, and gain confidence.

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“Each of our learners at these coffee mornings are assigned a job to do, such as making tea, setting up, or meeting and greeting customers, and they really enjoy it.

"Pre-Covid they attended a lot of community events and we are now building this back up.’’

Councillor Julia Huffer, chair of the operational services committee, said: “This grant is a wonderful opportunity for community groups across the East Cambridgeshire district.

“Following the Covid pandemic and cost of living crisis, many community groups are stepping up to provide extra help for local residents.

“This grant could be the extra boost they need to launch a new project or inject cash into an existing initiative.”

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Red2Green’s coffee mornings are set to continue throughout November at the Pavilion, Swaffham Bulbeck, occurring on 5, 12, 19, and 26 of the month.

Applications for the East Cambridgeshire Community Fund will be accepted from October 28 until December 9, 2024.

Applying for this grant is straightforward.

Information about the grant, including eligibility criteria and application guidance, can be found on the council’s website.

Further details about Red2Green and their initiatives are available on their website.