Small community groups and local charities can apply for grants of between £100 and £2,600 for equipment and to support projects that tackle loneliness amongst older people (65+) and adults with a disability (18+).

The funding, which is being made available through Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, supports actions that combat loneliness by connecting or re-connecting people with others in their local community.

The types of activities supported can include

• Activity projects
• Equipment and materials for use by members
• Member transport
• Day trips, outings and group holidays in the UK

The Foundation also makes grants of between £100 and £1,500 to help individuals, but please note that all applications for named individuals must be completed by a third party who knows the individual in a professional or community-based capacity, such as general practitioners, occupational therapists, nurses, social workers, or charity or support group representatives.

The grants can help individuals with:

• Manual and powered wheelchairs
• Mobility scooters
• Specialised trikes / e-bikes / bikes
• Car adaptations

The Foundation accepts group applications in January, April, July and October. There are no deadlines for individual applications which can be submitted at any time.