Local groups with ideas to boost the lives of over-55s in the borough could get up to £5,000 each through the council-backed One Croydon Alliance.
Between £1,000 and £5,000 is available to bid for by local voluntary and community groups that provide activities or support to reduce social isolation and improve the physical and mental health of over-55s in the borough. The £25,000 fund is for bids that support a specific group of people, target a particular need or consider the needs of a wide range of people across Croydon.
Examples of previous successful bids include a cinema club for older people, a food growing club for newly-retired men and a tea party that also gives access to health checks and activities in extra care housing.
To qualify, bids must support Croydon people to be independent, live longer and lead healthier lives; improve people’s quality of life and reduce inequalities of life expectancy.
Priority goes to partnership bids and groups that help those with complex health or care needs, including people living with dementia. Applicants must be able to demonstrate how they link with other groups and organisations. Individuals who benefit must be registered with a Croydon GP.
The alliance, made up of Croydon Council, Age UK Croydon and local NHS trusts, launched its Living Independently For Everyone (LIFE) service in September 2017 to reduce the need for hospital stays among mainly over-65s with long-term conditions.
In its first year, results from the alliance’s LIFE service include:
• Over 1,000 hospital referrals to get patients home faster or avoid hospital admission
• 95% of people in their own home within two hours of being discharged from hospital
• 847 possible hospital admissions avoided
• 15% fewer emergency admissions
Bidders can also contact local organisations for support with their applications, including Asian Resource Centre, the BME Forum, Croydon Neighbourhood Care Association, Croydon Voluntary Action and Mind in Croydon.
“The council and partners in the NHS and charitable sector set up the One Croydon Alliance to improve the quality of life and health of people across the borough, and this funding is for groups that help do exactly that.
“If your group, club or society benefits the over-55s in Croydon and you can show how you will make a real difference with up to £5,000 in funding, we want to hear from you.”
Councillor Jane Avis, cabinet member for families, health and social care
To apply, email: one.croydon.alliance@croydon.gov.uk to be sent a funding application pack. Use ‘LVP FUNDING APPLICATION’ in the title of your email.
