CASH awards of between £500 and £5,000 are being offered to encourage Halton residents to make a difference to their neighbourhood.

Wellbeing Enterprises CIC, a social enterprise, has teamed up with UnLtd – The Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs and Halton Clinical Commissioning Group to run a two year programme.

This will support people across Runcorn and Widnes to get their idea off the ground.

Projects supporting older residents, helping people back to work and improving the environment are particularly welcome.

A try it award of £500 is available to test an idea.

A do it award of between £500 and £2,500 is offered to get an idea off the ground.

And a larger award of up to £5,000 is available to scale up an idea.

More than 30 people applied for funding during the first round of applications in January.

Grants were awarded to a volunteer street cleaning project, pop-up cafes to encourage healthy eating and a model airfit group for veterans. Kerry Parr who received £500 to set up healthy pop up cafes across Halton said: “The application process was really easy and this award has helped me to expand my ideas.

“I now hold regular pop ups across Halton which has helped over 50 people learn to eat more healthily and I’m really enjoying the experience.”

Sara Buls, community wellbeing officer at Wellbeing Enterprises CIC said: “The application process is quick, easy and you don’t need any experience or qualifications.

“All you really need is a great idea and enthusiasm. We will give you all the help you need to apply.”

The long term ambition of the project is to create an ecosystem of social change in Halton.

This will encourage community members to work together to improve the health and wellbeing of the community.

Mark Swift, chief executive officer of Wellbeing Enterprises CIC said: “I am delighted to launch the second round of 'lead the change' funding for Halton residents.

“I was inspired to read all of the applications that came through the last round, and it has been fantastic to see some of these projects come to fruition.

“I'd encourage anyone with an idea to give it a go."

Dr Cliff Richards, chairman of Halton Clinical Commissioning Group said: “We are proud to be empowering people to drive change in health and wellbeing across the borough.

“We are very much looking forward to seeing the results.”

Anyone over 16 can apply.

No experience is required and the application process is quick and easy.

The deadline for application entry is 4pm on Friday, August 14, 2015.

For an informal discussion or to find out more contact Sara Buls on 01928 589 799 or download an application pack at wellbeingenterprises.org.uk/leadthechange