Council launches £20,000 awards scheme for people with disabilities

On October 23rd, Cabinet councillors approved the setting up of a £20,000 a year fund to help children and adults with disabilities participate actively in all aspects of life.

The Disability Inclusion Fund will provide money for interventions that improve access to facilities, events or services for people with disabilities, including those with a hidden disability.

This is the latest in a series of initiatives by Eastbourne Borough Council towards becoming a leading council for equality and inclusion – particularly since the establishment of a new Cabinet position focused on disability.

Councillor Rebecca Whippy, Cabinet Member for Disability and Community Safety, said: “We are deeply committed to supporting people with disabilities and take our obligations to promote equality of opportunity very seriously.

“This fund is going to be invaluable in helping to tackle the barriers experienced by children and adults with disabilities in leading fulfilled lives.”

A new Disability Inclusion Task Group comprising three councillors and a council officer will decide on applications that can be made by voluntary and community groups in Eastbourne, as well as by the council itself.

Awards of up to £1,000 will generally be made to any single organisation, although higher awards may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Councillor Whippy added: “I’m delighted that following today’s approval by Cabinet, there is now £20,000 available for this financial year and years beyond, for one-off spends that promote disability inclusion.”
For more information or to apply visit lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/community/eastbourne-community-grants/

Watch Cllr Whippy introducing the Disability Inclusion Fund here: https://youtu.be/CGemIiNN2zA or here: https://www.facebook.com/EastbourneC/videos/420455571990720/

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