COMMUNITY projects are set to gain a financial boost courtesy of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

At the cabinet meeting, members approved nearly £1 million worth of funds to be allocated to a range of organisations which help young and old people across the borough under the Community and Voluntary Sector Grant Scheme (CVS).

The CVS provides an opportunity for the borough to support organisations delivering services and programmes that are valued by residents and reflect council priorities.

A commitment totalling £916,100 in grants and support for a range of projects and organisations over the next three years was agreed

In this latest round of grants approved, £174,500 has been earmarked for the Young People’s Independent Counselling Service (YPI) which will be spread out across a five-year period.

The funds will go towards helping the Basingstoke-based charity to continue to provide free mental health and well-being support to young people aged 11 to 25-years-old.

There was also around £190,000 allocated to the Basingstoke Consortium, which again would be split over a five-year period.

In making the approvals cabinet member for finance, service delivery and improvement, Councillor Robert Tate, said: “By allocating these grants, it is a real testament to the work of our voluntary sector, not only to support them with funds but for them to take on their vital work.

“These programmes complement the council’s own services and foster strong partnership working in order to achieve the best possible outcomes.”

The council’s key focus for the latest round of these grants is on making older people feel less isolated; supporting families, especially those from more disadvantaged backgrounds; helping young people to reach their full potential; getting people back to work and encouraging better physical and mental health.

Cabinet member for communities and community safety, Councillor Simon Bound, added: “I have spent a lot of my time with voluntary groups and they continue to show they are vital in Basingstoke and Deane.

“We need to continue to support organisations who do everything from supporting the elderly, to giving advice to youngsters.”

Other organisations who received grants include Basingstoke NeighbourCare, Basingstoke Disability Forum and Westside Community Association.