Never too old to get active

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Community and voluntary groups from Rochdale are being encouraged to think ahead for 2011 to ensure they benefit from £31,558 of grant money that is available through the Community Foundation’s new fund ‘Active at 60.’

The fund has set up to help older people keep active and continue to show that you’re never too old to take part in exercise. Grants of between £250 and £3000 are now available to groups that have an annual income of £50,000 or under.

To ensure that groups avoid disappointment they are being urged to get completed applications in as soon as possible. The Active at 60 Fund has come from the Department for Work and Pensions and is being delivered in partnership with the Community Development Foundation.

The fund is also available in the Manchester and Salford borough’s and won’t be around for long. All applications must be received before the end of February however activities can be funded up until December 2011.

Steve Webb, Minister for Pensions from the Department for Work and Pensions, said: "Older people have never had a more important role in our society but people making the transition into retirement can lose their social network as they move out of employment and settle into a different routine, particularly those who have an illness or disability.”

"We hope Active at 60 will make a real difference to the quality of life of those approaching retirement or who have just retired, by helping them get out and about in their communities, improving their wellbeing and preventing the risk of social isolation as they grow older."

Emma Corrigan, Programme Manager who oversees the Active at 60 fund, explains: “The funding can support existing activities, running costs, social events, for groups working with those aged 60 or over and those who are newly retired or about to retire. However it is important to note that it won’t be around for long so I urge groups to get their applications in as soon as possible.”

If you are a group from Rochdale and would like to apply for a grant from the Active at 60 fund or would like more information about the grant then please call the Community Foundation on 0161 214 0940 or email enquiries@communityfoundation.co.uk