The Swindon and Wiltshire Community Training Grants support those furthest from the labour market, targeting the economically inactive. Successful applicants will move individuals either into employment, or establish a route towards employment, by helping individuals through education and training opportunities, advice, guidance and information.

The call for applications for grants is open, with full details, guidance and prospectus available from Groundwork.

Martin Petry, Grants Manager, Groundwork London says:

'Promoting social inclusion to help people disadvantaged by rural remoteness through to people under the radar of social support services, the Community Training Grants is an opportunity to help people furthest from the labour market and help local communities thrive. The £5,000 to £20,000 grants support a range of activities designed to help local people who need it most.'

Applications for grants can come from social enterprises, community and voluntary groups, charities and small businesses. They should seek to complement the Building Bridges programme and aim to provide support to people whilst meeting the local priorities for help with:

- Enterprise support services to tackle financial exclusion

- Establishing routes towards and into work with employers

- Promoting inclusion through learning and volunteering

The grants scheme will be operated by Groundwork London,  a social and environmental charity. For 20 years it has been at the forefront of environmental and social regeneration, changing places and lives for the better.

Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) is accountable for funding education and skills for children, young people and adults.

The European Social Fund (ESF) invests in opportunities across the European Union, with a focus on improving employment and education.

The Community Grant scheme is part of the Swindon and Wiltshire ESIF 2014-2020 programme delivered in partnership with government.