18 March 2011

Voluntary Action Sheffield has been appointed to work with the voluntary and community sector to provide materials, free training, support and advice to community groups to help raise awareness about the imminent switchover to digital TV.
There is a small grants fund available to fund events, activities and initiatives that will help get information out about the switchover.
You can apply to the fund if your organisation works with people who are:

• older

•  experiencing mental illness

•  have sensory, mobility or dexterity impairments;

•  have learning difficulties

•  whose first language is not English

•  who are socially isolated.

There are two types of grant available: between £100 and £500 for activities, events and initiatives in a local community; and over £500 to help organisations that reach a large audience over a large geographical area.
Grants could be used for:

•  Transport for those less mobile to get to a switchover event

•  A portable digital TV to be used at a series of events to demonstrate how to retune

•  The cost of running a session about switchover

•  Tea, coffee and cakes to encourage people to attend a switchover event

•  The cost of a "switchover advice" stall at a local fair.

Organisations can apply now, and all activity needs to have taken place before or during switchover in South Yorkshire (August or September 2011).
Contact Carrie McKenzie at Voluntary Action Sheffield for an application form, stating which size grant you want to apply for.
Telephone: 0114 253 6637
Email: c.mckenzie@vas.org.uk