29 March 2017

Do you have a project which improves inclusion or tackles social isolation in Garioch?

Groups who have a project which will improve inclusion and tackle social isolation in Garioch are being invited to apply for a share of £25k.

This is part of an innovative new scheme called Your Voice Your Choice that will see the public asked to vote on which projects should get the funding.

Following successful pilots in Fraserburgh and Peterhead last year the Your Voice Your Choice initiative has been extended in to other areas of Aberdeenshire including Garioch. The funding has come from Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

People have until 21st April to submit bids of between £250 and £5000 for their project. Artists will then work with the groups to design posters which promoting their project which will then be taken around various towns.

The public will then be asked to vote for their favourite projects. The projects with the most votes will then receive a share of the funding.

Application forms are available on the Garioch Partnership website http://gariochpartnership.org.uk/pb-form/

Some of the successful projects from last year’s events in Fraserburgh and Peterhead included walking groups, men’s shed, community mini buses and community gardens.

Garioch Area Manager Douglas Milne said: “We are really excited to be empowering local communities in this way and hope that it can make a real difference in the area. Your Voice Your Choice puts power in the hands of those who will benefit the most – the people who live in Garioch.

“We know there are many people who want to participate in shaping the future of their local area but don’t get involved in traditional consultations. This scheme is all about removing barriers and getting them directly involved in local decision-making. I would encourage as many groups as possible to apply for a share of the funding.”