Calls for projects aimed at building thriving and inclusive communities to access funding

Monmouthshire County Council is wanting to hear from people who may have an idea for a project in their community that will bring people together and help build thriving and inclusive communities.

'You decide, Monmouthshire' is a small grant programme offering funding of up to £4,500 for community projects in and around each of the county's five towns to help make these projects a reality.  Using funding received from Welsh Government, Monmouthshire County Council and partners will be running a series of events during February and March in which community members will get to decide how best to spend the money in their local area.  To be eligible for funding, projects will need to show that they will benefit the local community and bring people together.

This process puts community members in control of allocating funds to projects that benefit the community by adopting democratic voting systems. This is a new way of working. The council will be trying a range of different voting methods in different parts of Monmouthshire to learn from the process and to work with people to develop a long-term approach.  Events will be held online and in person across community venues.  There will also be further opportunities to apply for community project funds through 'You Decide, Monmouthshire' over the next two years.

People can get involved in two ways.  The first is to apply for funding to support local projects and ideas in their local area. Community groups, not for profit groups, community or town councils, health bodies, or schools are all eligible to apply.  Monmouthshire County Council can help assist people who don't have a bank account, and discuss options around working alongside another organisation to make purchases on their behalf.

People can also get involved by being part of the voting to help decide what they think matters most and would make the most difference in their local area.  For more information on the projects and how to get involved visit www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/partnerships

Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing and Social Justice, Councillor Lisa Dymock said: "Initiatives like 'You Decide, Monmouthshire,' are vital to supporting the excellent work that goes on in our communities across the county. We know there is an army of kind people who dedicate their time to ensuring our residents can enjoy a range of different opportunities that make them feel part of their community and proud to live in Monmouthshire. This funding is aimed at making those ideas a reality and for people to have a say on what projects they want to see in their area. If you have any thoughts on something that could help better your community, please get in touch!"

The closing date for project applications varies across the county.  For more information and help with the application process please contact:

• You decide, Monmouth: JoeSkidmore@monmouthshire.gov.uk
• You decide, Usk/Raglan: ConnorLeacock@monmouthshire.gov.uk
• You decide, Caldicot: StaceyWhite@monmouthshire.gov.uk
• You decide, Abergavenny: ashleymorgan@monmouthshire.gov.uk
• You decide, Chepstow: RyanColeman@monmouthshire.gov.uk