COMMUNITY groups in Sandwell are being urged to bid for cash raised by Comic Relief.

A workshop has been organised by Sandwell Community Involvement team at the Operations and Development Centre in Roway Lane, Oldbury on Saturday.

Community group members can find out how make applications for grants to the Red Nose Day Community Cash Initiative.

Councillor Ian Jones, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “This is a great opportunity for the many very active and impressive community groups we have in Sandwell.

“The Comic Relief team are offering groups grants of between £500 and £1,000 to help them to kick-start a scheme or to make a useful contribution towards the running of their organisation.”

Councillor Jones wants as many groups as possible to apply for this funding as the scheme gives priority to groups who can show a beneficial impact on people’s lives who are excluded or disadvantaged through being on low income, social isolation, age, disabilities, race, sexuality or gender.

Cllr Jones added: “Priority will be given to small, locally based groups or organisations in areas of disadvantage that have a clear understanding of the needs of their community and are working to help the local community.

“We can then take them through the guidelines and application forms and answer any questions they might have about the initiative.”

The last time groups were asked to make applications by the Community Involvement team about £20,000 was won by groups in the Sandwell area, a third of the amount across the Birmingham and Black Country.

The deadline for submitting bids is Friday, March 8 for more information ring community involvement manager Derek Fletcher on 0121 569 6466.

Application forms can be downloaded from the Birmingham and Black Country Foundation website www.bbccf.org.uk.