Barking and Dagenham Council’s Activate Volunteering Fund returns for a second round, making a £7,000 funding pot available to local residents in a bid to create more volunteering opportunities across the borough.

The 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 need supplies to something bigger.

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

The first round saw local groups Bmoney Wise, Youth Spot Bar, JDS Striving for Excellence and Kingdom Builders access £2,800 of the £7,000 fund for initiatives including:

• Online classes for over 65s within the borough
• Support groups and activities for people living with anxiety and depression
• Skate Fest - an all-inclusive community-based activity  
• Self-development classes and workshops.

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 this funding pot to create openings for even more people to get involved. I encourage local organisations and groups to make the most of this opportunity.”

The deadline for applications is Friday 5 April.

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

For more information and to apply, 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