Employability Rural Community Challenge Fund launched
The Highland Council's Employability team, on behalf of the Highland Employability Partnership, has this week launched a Rural Community Engagement Fund.
Utilising Scottish Government funding in support of the No One Left Behind programme in the Highlands, the fund aims to help third-sector organisations based and working in rural Highland communities to engage with and support people locally who could benefit from extra help to secure employment or to help those already in work to progress.
Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “The Highland Council area covers some of the most remote and sparsely populated communities in the country. Engaging with and providing support to people in our rural communities can be challenging and we aim to work in partnership with third-sector organisations already based and operating locally to help people secure sustainable and fair employment and for those already in work to potentially grow their income.”
Organisations can bid to provide support to anyone in their community who could benefit from employability support, but all applications must demonstrate how they will help families most at risk from poverty.
Eligible third-sector organisations can apply for funding of between £2,500 and £10,000 with the scheme open to applications until Monday 5 October 2023.
Full guidelines and an application form can be found on the Council's website