THE future of community and voluntary groups in Bolton has been given a £160,000 boost.

Bolton Council and Bolton CVS have launched a small grants fund for community and voluntary groups working to help local people across the borough.

The council has committed £160,000 in small grants to support hundreds of grass roots organisations across the town as part of a total £1.4 million worth of funding for Bolton’s voluntary and community sector.

Applications from schemes working with the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people are especially welcome.

JIGSAW, an organisation which works with stroke survivors and their families across Bolton has received £1,735 to help with support and advice for survivors of strokes.

Chairman Graham Bridge said: “This money is a real lifeline to groups like ours and we are delighted to be involved in the launch of this new fund.

“We have about 80 members and get about 40 to 45 members to each of our meetings. We try to keep things lighthearted because positivity is better than any medicine.”

Town Hall chiefs have found the cash for the fund despite being faced with unprecedented cuts.

Cllr Cliff Morris, leader of Bolton Council, said: “Despite the need to make savings and the fact we have lost many of the government grants for this sector, it is right we continue to fund and invest in the many voluntary and community groups who work with the council to provide valuable services.”

Karen Minnitt, chief executive of Bolton CVS, added: “Many community and voluntary groups are working extremely hard to deliver vital support to the most vulnerable individuals and communities in Bolton.

“This fund will help these valuable activities to continue and develop as well as supporting good new ideas to begin.”

Application forms and guidance will be available on the Bolton CVS website boltoncvs.org.uk by Wednesday, June 1.

Groups who want to find out more or who need help in filling in the forms can contact Sharon Bolus or Mark Grundy at Bolton CVS on 01204 546010.