Up to £8 million is being made available to organisations which provide services and strengthen local communities in East Sussex.
This week details were published of the funding available from the County Council and the local NHS. This is the second year of a new approach to funding services, with both organisations working together to ensure the best outcomes are delivered for the people of East Sussex.
Organisations can apply for grants by 26 April. Awards will be announced in July with new services starting from October 2012. Further details and how to apply can be found in the 2012 East Sussex Commissioning Grants Prospectus available at: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/CGP
The Prospectus details the outcomes needed and the money available. The Council and the NHS will ‘purchase’ services through the grants (called commissioning). This has been developed jointly with people who actually use the services, their carers and voluntary and community organisations. This includes improving the lives and health of people with mental health problems and early onset dementia; supporting children, young people and families with complex needs to improve their lives; and strengthening organisations that support the local voluntary and community sector.
Last year, the Prospectus awarded more than £7 million through 67 grants to 47 voluntary and community organisations working to improve people’s lives. This year there is even more money available.
Becky Shaw, the Chief Executive of East Sussex County Council, said:
‘This is a new and exciting way for us to commission services in East Sussex. Tying the funding to outcomes means that we can be specific about the results we want to achieve. We will support and encourage organisations to think differently and use their expertise and experience to deliver the desired outcomes, involving people who use services”.
Dr.Greg Wilcox, the Clinical Commissioning Executive Chair, NHS Hastings and Rother and East Sussex Down and Weald, said:
“Working together, the County Council and NHS have set aside a significant investment in these challenging economic times to improve the health and wellbeing of people in our community. We have spoken to many people involved in using and providing services and they will continue to be involved, to ensure we deliver what people need with the resources available”.
Local people who use the services will play a key role in deciding who should be given grants, helping to asses the impact that organisations are having, particularly around strengthening communities. Importance will be placed on quality and building networks amongst people and organisations, so they can help each other and deliver value for money.
Interested organisations are being invited to a meeting with Council and NHS staff next month, on 20 March, to get a greater understanding of what is needed and the application process.
