OPEN (Older People Engaging Needs) Funding
I am pleased to advise that I have now met with Chris Hebenton, as Integrated Manager (temporary) who will be the new lead from the Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership (DHSCP) for the OPEN fund. Chris will be taking over from Mike Andrews, who some of you will remember.
We have been receiving lots of enquiries from groups over the past few months looking to restart activities but with little or no funding left to start them. I suggested that these unallocated funds (due to Covid) be made available to groups out with the normal OPEN application process if it meant we could award funding quicker to cover activities taking place during the period of January to March.
Maybe you had an application in in February 2020 that didn’t get awarded due to Covid, or maybe you are a new group trying to improve the health and wellbeing of other adults aged +55? Either way, we can award an interim payment of up to £480 to go towards an activity that must be spent during the period of January to March. This could be to help start up a new activity or maintain an existing one. Older people must be involved in planning this activity.
How to apply for the interim payment?
Groups are asked to submit a short explanation detailing how much you are requesting (max of £480) and what you would spend the money on? This should still meet the OPEN criteria that any activity will improve the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of older people and promote social inclusion. It should not be used in this instance for food. Please also provide your groups bank details and contact details for you should we need to check anything out.
Please submit your proposal to nicolamitchell@dvva.scot no later than Monday 21st December and I will collate these and send to OPEN on your behalf. We apologise for the short timescale, but this will allow us time to go through the applications and get the awards in place for activities commencing in January.
OPEN Fund Re-Open for Applications
In addition to the above interim fund, the DHSCP has agreed that the OPEN fund will formally restart for applications in the New Year with the closing dates for applications set as Friday 18th February and then again on Friday 19th August. If awarded, funding will then be allocated for the periods of April to September and for October to March.
The criteria for the fund remains as it was, in that groups (aged 55+) can apply for a contribution towards tutor costs for up to 2 activities that will improve the mental or physical wellbeing of over 55’s.
Activities that will not be funded include food, transport, room hire or electronic equipment. Equipment can be borrowed for a period of 2 weeks from Number Ten (address below) by contacting Reception on 01382 305700. Please see attached for the list of equipment available.
Groups should provide a copy of their bank statement with an explanation of restricted or otherwise funds. Please remember that OPEN will only fund a contribution of costs up to a maximum of £480 for one activity or up to a maximum of £600 for two activities, subject to available funds.
Please note the closing date for the first round of OPEN funding is Friday 18th February 2022 – and applications should be submitted for the attention of Chris Hebenton at OPEN@dundeecity.gov.uk.
If you require assistance to complete the application form, please contact Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action on 01382 305700.
Nicola Mitchell, Older Peoples Services Development Officer
Application Form
OPEN Application Form 2022 – 2023
