Wokingham

Getting your bids in is child’s play! That’s the message from Wokingham District Council as it has been awarded just over £240,000 by the Big Lottery Fund to allocate to projects in the district, which provide children’s play activities.

Wokingham district council has to submit a portfolio of projects for consideration by the Big Lottery Fund. Statutory, voluntary and community organisations have until October 20, 2006 to submit their bids to the council. Bids will be welcomed from statutory, community and voluntary organisations from across the district, which have a constitution and a bank account. Informal groups, individuals and for-profit commercial bodies are not eligible to apply. It is likely that the council will be informed in February if the bids have been successful.

The district council wants to see projects with innovative ways of capturing the playful imagination of children and young people to make a big difference to the way children play in the Wokingham district.

Cllr Dianne King, executive member for Wokingham community development, said: “The district council must submit a portfolio of projects and we are inviting applications from eligible organisations for their projects to be included in this portfolio. All applicants will be considered and will be judged on strict criteria and all projects must meet the needs of the children’s play strategy. We will submit our bid in November.

“It is important that any interested organisation gets their bid in on time and I would encourage them to take up this opportunity. This is a real chance to improve play activities for children of all ages and abilities in the district.”

Projects must deliver self-directed, creative and fun play opportunities for children and young people resident in Wokingham district. Organised sport or youth work projects are not eligible.

Guidance explaining the application process and the criteria that groups must meet to qualify for funding, as well as application forms are available on the council’s website (www.wokingham.gov.uk/community-living/grants/childrens-play) or from Caroline Holden on (0118) 974 6043 and Sarah Clarke on (0118) 974 6144.

Wokingham District Council