A CHARITABLE foundation that operates a Basingstoke care home is offering grants worth £30,000 to groups and individuals.

Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, which runs Ashcombe House care home, in Worting Road, is offering support to projects that enrich lives and encourage an active lifestyle through arts, music, sports and culture for older people or adults with disabilities, or those that may have challenges with mental health.

Three grants worth £30,000 are being given in the name of a former Barchester resident, Jeanette Gill, who generously donated part of her legacy to Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.

The foundation is calling for deserving local charities and community groups to apply for these special awards.

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This year will mark the last round of grants from Jeanette's legacy.

There are three awards available:

- £15,000 gold award (open to groups)

- £10,000 silver award (open to groups)

- £5,000 bronze award (open to individuals)

The foundation is particularly interested in innovative initiatives that tackle isolation and loneliness, and which bring sustained outcomes and positive changes for the people benefitting.

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Barchester Healthcare chief executive and foundation chairman Dr Pete Calveley said: “We were extremely touched that one of our residents donated so generously to Barchester’s Charitable Foundation. 

“We thought it would be fitting to create these flagship grants in her honour and memory as a tribute to the lives she is helping. The charity does so much for local communities throughout the country to tackle and reduce loneliness for many people, and these grants will make a big difference to those in need.”

To find out more about how to apply for a Jeanette Gill Award please visit bhcfoundation.org.uk.

The closing date for applications is March 26.