Voluntary groups striving to help communities get back on their feet after the pandemic are being encouraged to apply for funding of up to £3,000 from the district council.

Nearly £20,000 is available from the council’s Community Grants Fund to help build “stronger and cohesive communities” across the district.

The fund is aimed at “building capacity” of the community rather than directly delivering services, with a focus on projects that are trying to reinstate community activity which was available pre-pandemic.

Projects that help improve residents’ health and wellbeing, reduce social isolation, enable residents to reduce carbon emissions and respond to Sustainable Community Food are amongst those being considered.

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“We want Forest of Dean residents and communities to thrive post pandemic and this funding will help to ensure that can happen. I’d like to thank all the officers and staff who are involved in helping in our Forest of Dean communities and look forward to seeing more great work being delivered across the district.”

Cabinet member for communities, Cllr Paul Hiett