Applications are now open for the annual Longley Farm Fund and the new Jimmy Dickinson Fund. Both funds are managed by One Community, who encourage local giving by managing charitable funds on behalf of individuals and companies from across Kirklees.

The Jimmy Dickinson Fund

Jimmy Dickinson, the owner of Longley Farm, has launched a new charitable fund, ‘The Jimmy Dickinson Fund’, which is offering grants to support Kirklees voluntary organisations working to improve mental health amongst children and adults. 

In Kirklees, 42,000 people aged 18-64 have a common mental health disorder, and men are at a higher risk than women of suicide; especially in the 25-39 and over 80 age brackets; reflecting the findings nationally. Increasingly, young people are suffering because of peer group pressure, and an increasing use of social media. In Kirklees, 1 in 25 boys, and 1 in 10 girls cut or hurt themselves, if they have a problem or feel stressed.

The Jimmy Dickinson Fund will support local groups working to help people with mental health issues, and groups/projects that promote and encourage good mental health, such as:

• Therapeutic and support groups
• Projects promoting education for a better understanding of mental health issues
• Encouraging healthier use of social media amongst children and young people
• Self harm prevention and support
• Projects led by young people, including activities which raise awareness of youth mental health issues
• Groups or projects that help tackle loneliness or isolation
• The fund will also support operating costs, including utility bills, salaries and equipment purchase

The fund opened on Wednesday 26th June and applications are invited for up to £1,000. Applications close on Friday 18^th October. For more information and to apply go to the One Community website: https://www.one-community.org.uk/looking-for-funding/jimmy-dickinson-fund.php.

The Longley Farm Fund

The Longley Farm Fund aims to support artistic, cultural and voluntary activities within the Graveship of Holme, so if you have a project that needs funding and your group is located in the Upper Holme Valley (Holmfirth, Austonley, Upperthong, Holme, Cartworth, Wooldale, Hepworth, Fulstone or Netherthong) we would love to hear from you. General funding applications from voluntary groups in the beneficial area will also be considered.

Groups can apply for up to £1,000 and the deadline for applications is Friday 18^th October. For more information and to apply, go to the One Community website: https://www.one-community.org.uk/looking-for-funding/longley-farm-fund.php

If you have a great project but are based somewhere else in Kirklees, or you are worried your project doesn't fit the Jimmy Dickinson Fund or Longley Farm Fund, have a look on the One Community website. They have many different funds with a variety of aims, so it may be you can get funding elsewhere.