Innovation fund to help health and community services
Published 16 August 2011
Southwark Council’s health and community services department has launched an Innovation Fund worth £200,000 for local voluntary and community organisations.
This one off grant is intended to enable organisations to develop innovative ideas for supporting older and disabled people to live independently and well. It will be financially sustainable over time, as less council funding becomes available.
Applications are open to voluntary and community organisations based in Southwark, and the council will accept both collaborative and individual bids. Bids must demonstrate a clear understanding of the needs of older people and show how these ideas will put the person at the centre of the service.
The Innovation Fund cannot be used to replace lost statutory funding or to continue provision of existing services. It must be used for activities that help organisations adjust to the future funding environment and provide innovative means for people to remain independent and well for as long as possible.
Councillor Dora Dixon - Fyle, cabinet member for health and adult social care at Southwark Council said: "Southwark's had to revise the way it delivers care and support services and we want organisations to use the Innovation Fund to help people to support themselves."
Assessment and recommendation of bids will be conducted by an advisory panel consisting of senior council officers from Southwark adult social care and an independent voluntary sector representative. Final decisions will be taken by the appropriate cabinet member.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 9 September, 5pm.
