Barchester’s Charitable Foundation is offering grants totalling £30,000 to local charities, community groups and individuals in need.

Grants of £15,000 and £10,000 are on offer to charities and groups that enrich the lives of older people, adults with a disability, and people facing mental health challenges, using arts, music, sports and culture. Individuals in need can apply for a £5,000 grant.

The Foundation is particularly interested in innovative initiatives that tackle isolation and loneliness, and which bring sustained outcomes and positive changes.

The Jeanette Gill Special Awards are named after a former Barchester resident, who generously donated part of her legacy to help good causes and individuals in need. This year will mark the last round of grants from Jeanette Gill’s legacy.

Dr Pete Calveley, Barchester Healthcare chief executive and Foundation chair, said: “We were extremely touched that one of our residents donated so generously to Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.  We thought it would be fitting to create these flagship grants in her honour and memory as a tribute to the lives she is helping.”

In 2022 award winners included Veterans Woodcraft in County Durham, which runs woodcraft workshops to improve mental health.

To find out more about how to apply for a Jeanette Gill Award visit www.bhcfoundation.org.uk. The closing date for applications is 26 March 2023.