People and groups in the Great Yarmouth and East Suffolk areas are being urged to apply for volunteering grants.

Cultural Connections is inviting groups and individuals to apply for Accessibility Grants.

The scheme, launched by Great Yarmouth Borough Council and East Suffolk Council, will grant up to £2,000 to improve access to volunteering opportunities.

Funds may be used for a range of accessibility improvements including transport expenses or bus journeys, translator fees, childcare provision for volunteers, accessibility equipment and other enabling resources.

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The invitation extends to organisations, charities, and individuals requiring additional support with volunteering.

In addition, funding is also available to support the delivery of community events which enhance local arts, culture or heritage, these events can be large or small, with allocations of up to £500.

Dean Wilson, community capacity manager at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: ‘’The benefits of volunteering can be huge.

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"It can have an extremely beneficial impact on people’s lives and in the wider community.

‘’Volunteering creates a sense of belonging that is empowering, educational and can even contribute toward future employment.

"We would urge people to consider applying for the grants we have available at Cultural Connections and also look at the wider options for volunteering the project offers.’’

Cultural Connections, funded by Spirit 2012, was established in 2023.

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The project aims to reduce hurdles to volunteering by connecting individuals to local arts, culture, and heritage opportunities.

The team provides comprehensive support throughout volunteers' journeys, focusing on the strengths and needs of the individuals when matching them to roles.

Since its inception, more than 200 people have registered with the scheme and more than 40 volunteering roles have been filled by various organisations.

To find out more visit culturalconnectionsvolunteering.org.uk or contact the team via hello@culturalconnectionsvolunteering.org.uk.