Community groups in Sandwell can apply for funding to help people stay fit and healthy.  Grants of up to £5,000 are now available from Sandwell Council and can be spent on new or existing sports facilities in the borough. As part of its drive to boost levels of physical activity, the council has introduced Community Activity Network Development Officers (CANDO) in each of Sandwell’s six towns.

The CANDOs will work with community organisations on their ideas to introduced new sports facilities or improve existing ones. Councillor Yvonne Davies, cabinet member for adult social care and health said: “The health and wellbeing of our residents is one of our council’s top priorities and I am pleased to offer this opportunity to community groups to provide physical activity for local community.”

“I urge local communities to take up this opportunity and apply for funding to help people of Sandwell get more active.” Community groups can apply for six weeks or 12 months of funding, with up to £5000 available for the first phase.

To apply www.sandwell.gov.uk/cando and find your local CANDO officer who will be happy to help. Closing dates for first phase of applications is Friday 13 November 2015.