FUNDING is being offered for creative projects across the district that support people struggling with home schooling.

Bradford Council has launched #Response2, the second of its grant programmes for the creative and community sector.

The initiative aims to find innovative ways of "engaging" families, on and off-line.

Awards of up to £1,500 will be given to help artists and organisations develop ideas – and the tools – to support those home schooling.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, the council's executive member for healthy people and places, said: “We were one of the first local authorities in the country to launch a grant programme to support our creatives and we know how important this was to them – and the people they created projects with and for.

"This is why we believe it’s essential to continue to support our cultural sector and trust it to create amazing activity that reaches the families in our district."

Councillor Imran Khan, the executive member for education, employment and skills, hopes the latest programme will provide welcome help to those who are struggling.

He said: "We are delighted to create this unique opportunity to support the families in our district that are struggling with the pressure of home schooling and navigating the digital world.

"This grant programme will hopefully help ease some of the pressure and bring a little fun into our households over this current lockdown."

The first #Response venture was launched when the initial lockdown began last year.

It supported 55 artists, creatives and cultural groups across the district with a series of grants.

"This pilot project was quick to recognise the enormous contribution that the arts and culture sector makes to the Bradford district but also the huge challenges faced by a widespread hiatus on the usual – and spectacularly diverse – creative calendar," said a council spokesman.

"The result has been a clear display of Bradford’s trademark grit and resilience, with great creative flair to match. Individuals and groups supported through #Response served communities by inspiring and entertaining the district – and wider world – during 2020."

Criteria for applications in the latest programme include that projects should develop alternative ways to support and engage young people through various platforms – and encourage families to interact with each other without leaving their homes.

For further information and to apply, visit bradford.gov.uk/arts-and-culture/funding/community-arts-and-culture-grants-response2.