Swale Borough Council and the Swale Cost-of-Living Group have launched a new £30,000 funding initiative to help local residents struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. Supported by Kent County Council Public Health, the Health Innovation Fund aims to improve health and wellbeing in the area.
The grant scheme is open to grassroots charities, community groups, and organisations operating within the Swale district. Applicants are invited to bid for between £5,000 and £6,000 to support new or adapted community projects. In cases of exceptional applications, the council may provide up to £10,000 in funding. All supported projects must be delivered within 12 months.
Councillor Hannah Perkin, chair of the council’s Housing, Health and Communities Committee, noted that health and wellbeing are closely linked to the current cost-of-living challenges. She explained that financial pressures can often lead to less healthy diets, which ultimately impacts the long-term health of residents.
The fund was created in response to reports identifying Swale as one of six areas of high deprivation in Kent, where average resident earnings fall below the national level. The funding is intended to support initiatives that address financial resilience and income maximisation, alongside projects focused on physical activity, mental health, and healthy lifestyle changes.
Organisations interested in applying must first register as an affiliate of the Social Impact Gateway before submitting their bid through the online application form. All applications must be submitted by Monday 20 April 2026.
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