Aims/Priorities:
People from South Asian communities are under-represented in drug and alcohol treatment services, and harmful use is often hidden due to stigma, cultural taboos and barriers to engagement.
A local working group has developed an action plan to begin addressing this inequality in Rochdale. As part of the first phase of delivery, we are inviting applications from local VCFSE organisations to lead one of two small programmes of work that will complement this plan.
Thanks to funding from Rochdale Borough Council Public Health, there are two programmes you can apply for (please note you can only apply for one programme):
Programme 1: Youth Community Voices
Grant: £9,000
Aim: To support South Asian young people to act as youth community reporters, developing their skills and experience while capturing authentic insight into the influences and pressures around drug and alcohol use.
What we’re looking for
A local organisation to support young people to take a lead role as youth community reporters by:
- Recruiting and supporting South Asian young people to develop skills in listening, storytelling, creative expression and reflection
- Using creative and participatory methods to capture insight from young people about:
- what is happening in their communities
- the influences, pressures and protective factors around drug and alcohol use
- what could help prevent harm
You will be expected to work with relevant partners such as youth services, schools or community groups, with support from the working group.
Programme 2: Culturally Informed Resources & Campaigns
Grant: £9,000
Aim: To increase awareness and reduce stigma around drug and alcohol harm by strengthening, coordinating and sharing culturally appropriate resources.
We’re looking for a local organisation to:
- Review existing drug and alcohol resources relevant to South Asian communities
- Work with residents and partners to identify priorities, gaps and key messages
- Co-produce a small set of culturally appropriate resources or campaign materials
- Bring together and share existing and new resources into a simple, accessible collection, ideally hosted online, so they can be easily found and used by communities and partners
The focus is on improving visibility, relevance and consistency, rather than creating large volumes of new material.
Who can apply:
To be eligible to apply you must:
- you are a voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) group locally rooted or actively working in the borough of Rochdale; and
- you are a member of Action Together CIO (you can register for free to become a member here)
- you are formally constituted.
Grant amount: £9,000
Deadline: Wednesday 18th February
*Projects need to be completed by March 2027
Application process: To apply, please make sure you have read the guidance notes, and complete an application form. Once complete, please email to laura.augustine@actiontogether.org.uk
Drug and Alcohol Guidance Notes.docx (29.35 KB)
Drug and Alcohol Diversity Programme Application Form.docx (56.36 KB)
Contact information: Email: laura.augustine@actiontogether.org.uk