YORK-BASED charities, social enterprises, voluntary and community groups are being urged to apply for a share of a £26,775 grant.

In a collaboration between Make It York and City of York Council, with funding made available via the Better Care Fund, organisations are being invited to apply to grants up to £6,000 to aid initiatives throughout the city which will reduce loneliness and isolation and combat mental ill-health.

With applications open until Friday June 9, organisations can apply for Cultural Wellbeing Grants to help engage isolated people in their communities through cultural engagement to combat mental ill-health, improve physical health, or access employment and learning opportunities.

Funding can be used for a wide range of project costs – including everything from materials and venue hire to set up costs, marketing, transport and administration time.

Pauline Stuchfield, director of customer and communities at City of York Council, said: “We’re proud to offer these grants again. Their proven benefits have a lasting impact on residents.

“If you’re involved with a project which supports or improves residents’ wellbeing through cultural activities, please apply for this funding.

"We’re want to reach often overlooked groups and support innovation, while building on the city’s fantastic voluntary sector which helps residents live the lives they want.”

The grants are available for projects running anytime between July 2023 and March 2024.