Grants of up to £12,000 are up for grabs for community-schemes in Staffordshire.

The Community Council of Staffordshire will be giving funds to community and voluntary groups across the county from a European Social Fund.

Charities and other not-for-profit groups are urged to apply for the funds, which are only available for a limited period. “We are really pleased to be involved in the distribution of this new pot of funding,” said Chris Welch, chief executive of the Community Council of Staffordshire.

“Over the past few weeks we have been working with the lead agency, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which has asked us to help support groups applying for a grant in the southern part of Staffordshire.”

Funding is available for community and voluntary groups who want to carry out work that will help people increase their confidence levels, skills and knowledge.

Projects can be stand-alone or part of existing work, with the main aim of improving people’s lives and life chances.

Groups can apply for up to £12,000 to be used for a wide range of activities, including volunteering schemes, confidence building activities, help with basic skills, community engagement events and signposting to other support services.

“This is an exciting opportunity for some groups in the county to use this funding to make a real difference to people’s lives,” said Chris.

“The funding is only available until March 31, 2010, so we are urging groups that are interested to contact us as quickly as possible to see if what they want to do fits the bill.”

The scheme uses funds from the European Social Fund and the Learning and Skills Council. The Community Council of Staffordshire has been selected as the agency to help local groups access this fund in southern Staffordshire.

The Community Council is holding an application workshop on July 23. The event will take place at the Brewhouse Art Centre in Burton-upon-Trent from 10am. Anyone interested in attending this event or learning more about the scheme can contact Charlotte Green at the Community Council of Staffordshire on 01785 242525 or email charlotte.green@staffs.org.uk