Mayor Kim McGuinness has launched the third round of her fund for grassroots projects – this time with a focus on helping older people.
Mayor Kim McGuinness has announced the launch of Round Three of the Mayor’s Opportunity Fund, with up to £10,000 available for community groups working to improve the lives of older people across the North East.
Opening for applications on January 19, the latest round will prioritise projects supporting residents aged 65 and over, recognising the urgent need to tackle rising pensioner poverty, social isolation, and widening inequalities affecting older adults in the region.
Mayor Kim said: “Too many older people in our region are being left behind, facing rising costs, loneliness, and a lack of support at the very time in life when they should feel secure and valued.
“This fund is about backing the brilliant community groups who know their communities best and who can make a real difference for our older residents.”
The North East has some of the highest levels of pensioner poverty in the country.
Research from the Centre for Ageing Better shows that 19% of pensioners in the region are living in relative poverty, while the Ageing‑in‑the‑North report highlights a 10‑percentage‑point rise in poverty among over‑65s between 2012 and 2022.
Recent analysis from Age UK also warns that 74% of pensioners in or just above poverty will no longer receive Winter Fuel Payments, despite fuel costs being a major pressure for older people, particularly during the winter months.
The challenges extend beyond income.
The North East experiences higher‑than‑average levels of loneliness among older adults, with isolation linked to poorer mental and physical health outcomes.
Marie Curie’s latest findings show that 39% of pensioners who died in Newcastle in 2023 were in poverty at the end of life, underscoring the need for compassionate, community‑based support.
Horden Youth and Community Centre in County Durham gained £10,000 from the second round of Mayor’s Opportunity Fund to support projects including their ‘Hub Grub’ free hot meals for pensioners.
Horden Youth and Community Centre Hub general manager Sean Robson said: “Mayor Kim’s Opportunity Fund made a huge difference to what we could offer older people in our village.
“It helps us keep Hub Grub running, providing hot meals, warmth, and company for pensioners who might otherwise be isolated.
“For many of our regulars, it’s a lifeline that brings comfort, dignity, and a sense of belonging. We’re incredibly grateful for support that allows us to continue standing beside our older residents.”
The new round of funding is designed to back the groups already working hard to support older residents and to spark new ideas that help people stay active, connected, and independent for longer.
Grants of £5,000 to £10,000 will be available for projects including:
- Initiatives led by older people
- Digital inclusion and digital literacy
- Support to alleviate fuel poverty
- Community transport
- Outdoor and environmental activities
- Intergenerational projects
- Support for diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ pensioners, disabled pensioners, and those from Black and minoritised ethnic backgrounds
- Dementia‑focused initiatives
- Projects improving outcomes at end of life, including bereavement support
- Activities reducing social isolation and improving mental health
- Funding will be open to small, unincorporated community groups with a constitution, an income under £500,000, at least two unrelated committee members, and a bank account in the organisation’s name.
Webinars for potential applicants will take place during the week commencing 19 January. Assessment panels will meet in early April, subject to the Mayor’s availability.
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