Herefordshire Council is urging groups and organisations working with people who have learning disabilities to apply for cash to help turn project ideas into reality.

Around £18,000 is available in total through the Learning Disability Development Fund which is looked after by the Valuing People Partnership Board, but it has to be spent before April 2009.

Learning disability affects the way someone learns, communicates or does some everyday things like getting dressed, filling in forms or going shopping and is something a person has all through their life.  The type and severity of the learning disability can vary, and so does the range and kind of support needed.  

Cash grants are available for projects which support people with learning disabilities who live or work in Herefordshire.  The projects must happen before April 2009 and priority will be given to ideas which fit into the Board’s five “Big Ideas”, which are

• Helping people stay in control with self-directed support and individualised budgets
• Equality of access to health services
• Employment and training projects
• Transport ideas
• Helping people feel safe

Application forms for funding are available from Paul Choppen at Herefordshire Council on 01432 260633 or pchoppen@herefordshire.gov.uk.  The deadline for applying is Monday 17 November, and decisions will be made at the beginning of December.