A new £15,000 pot of funding is up for grabs for residents to help set-up activities that will benefit the community.

Barking and Dagenham Council’s CAN DO fund is aimed at helping local residents start projects they are passionate about, whether it is setting up a walking group, creating a craft workshop or starting a sports tournament.

Grants of £50 will be available this summer, with larger grants of up to £250 up for grabs in future bidding rounds.

The funding can be used to buy equipment, provide food or refreshments, or pay for activities.

Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, said: “We’re delighted to have secured this additional funding. The new CAN DO fund is for residents and groups who have always wanted to do something, but have never been able to – now is your chance!

“Even if you’re not sure how to get your idea going, come and speak to us and we will do all we can to help. No project is too big or small, this is a wonderful opportunity for communities to come together.”

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

For more information visit oneboroughvoice.lbbd.gov.uk/activate-volunteering-and-can-do-fund.