AN organisation is inviting groups in Somerset to apply for funding, with grants between £500 and £50,000 available.

Discovery, who support people with learning disabilities and autism in the county, opened its community fund today (November 2).

This new round of funding will help organisations to recover, innovate, and restart their services after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Helen Orford, managing director of Discovery, said: “We are delighted to reopen the Community Fund for a new round of funding, as it means that we can continue to support organisations across Somerset, which share our commitment to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people across the county.

"If you are involved in supporting people to live a great life, then we would strongly encourage you to apply.”

Applications for funding can be made through Somerset Community Foundation (SCF).

This year, Discovery is encouraging groups who tackle health inequalities, combat hate crime, and support people into employment, to apply for the grants.

Andy Ridgewell, senior programmes manager at SCF, added: “If you are involved with a group or organisation which supports people with learning disabilities and autism in Somerset, we would love to hear from you.

"Particularly if you have a project that will strengthen the transition to young adulthood, tackle health inequalities, support people into employment, remove barriers to community spaces, combat hate crime or put people with learning disabilities and autistic people in the lead.

"Any community group or charitable organisation wishing to apply for funding should visit the SCF website where they can find guidance on how to make an application."

Projects to have successfully applied for funding in the past have included Orchard Vale Trust’s online safety courses, Calvert Trust Exmoor’s adventure holidays, and PodPlus Frome’s expanded youth social club.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, December 17 2021.

More information on the Discovery Community Fund, including guidance on how to apply for funding, can be found here, www.somersetcf.org.uk/discovery or by calling 01749 344949.