A one-off £7,000 funding pot has been set up in a bid to create more volunteering opportunities across Barking and Dagenham.

Barking and Dagenham Council’s new Activate Volunteering Fund invites local organisations and groups to bid for up to £700 each to use towards an activity, scheme or event that relies on volunteers.

The fund is aimed at supporting initiatives of all sizes, from local litter-picking groups that needs supplies to something bigger.

Successful applicants will be able to access support for their projects from the council’s large pool of volunteers.

Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, said: “Volunteers are the unsung heroes of Barking and Dagenham and this unwavering community spirit is something we are so proud of.

“That is why we’re delighted to be able to offer funding to create openings for more people to get involved, and why we’re urging local organisations and groups to make the most of this opportunity.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 3 October.

The one-off funding has been secured from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by the mayor of London.

For more information visit https://oneboroughvoice.lbbd.gov.uk/activate-volunteering

For more information about becoming a volunteer visit lbbd.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/get-involved/become-volunteer