A CASH boost of £21,000 will enable organisations in the Musselburgh area to provide free taster sessions for new experiences in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Project 21, launched by the Musselburgh Area Partnership, which distributes a council budget to local schemes, went live on Monday.

Applications for funding from £100 up to a maximum of £500 to deliver the sessions can be made until January 31, 2022.

Iain Clark, area partnership chairman, said: “This project has been developed by the Musselburgh Area Partnership as a way of providing support to members of the community, particularly those who feel isolated, to enable a route to try new activities and experiences, meet new people and hopefully get people back out into the community.

“The project will also provide local groups and organisations with the opportunity to engage with the community and open up their activities to all, and potentially let people consider adult volunteering opportunities.

“The project is hoping to attract the widest range of activities, from book and craft clubs to sport and youth groups.”

Stuart Baxter, Musselburgh connected communities manager, added: “The level of impact the pandemic has had on members of our community has become increasingly apparent over the last 18 months.

“It is hoped the free taster sessions offered with the Musselburgh Area Partnership Project 21 initiative will encourage people of all ages to get involved with groups and organisations, helping to reduce the impact of social isolation and improve mental health across our community.”

The taster sessions will need to be delivered by October 31, 2022.

Applicants could include youth organisations, crafts, sports and hobby clubs, and meeting groups.

Applications can be submitted by any community group or organisation that is not a business and provides not-for-profit community activities to residents of Musselburgh, Old Craighall, Wallyford and Whitecraig.

To apply, go to eastlothian.gov.uk/musselburghap – applications should be emailed to musselburgh-ap@eastlothian.gov.uk

Alternatively, paper applications can be sourced by emailing musselburgh-ap@eastlothian.gov.uk. These should be sent to Project 21, c/o Stuart Baxter, Connected Communities Manager, Brunton Hall, Ladywell Way, Musselburgh, EH21 6AA.