A FUND that celebrates the short and special life of George Price is offering grants to support the wellbeing of primary-school-age children.

Since its foundation in 2021, the fund has raised over £163,000. The first round of grants awarded to nine projects across Herefordshire, all with a focus on improving young children’s lives through the power of nature, including the Ross Community Garden, as part of the Haygrove group.

Laura Hughes, George’s mum and the founder of George’s Fund explains: “Enjoying the great outdoors has always been really important to us as a family and is one of the ways we remember George.

Previous grants were awarded to projects focused on making a long-term, meaningful impact to young children. This included the Haygrove Community Gardens which used its grant to provide holistic classes for children that look at everything from growing, and cooking with, their own produce to protecting the environment.

The aim of George’s Fund is to give a boost to projects which tap into the power of nature, helping make a long-term, meaningful difference to participants who may be facing anything from mental health issues and bereavement through to life limiting illnesses and learning difficulties.

Charities, community groups and local projects, as well as schools and nurseries, are all eligible to apply for funding for projects which make use of the therapeutic benefits of the outdoors for children aged three to 11.

This round the focus is on awarding grants to projects that use the power of nature to help children overcome physical and emotional barriers; make a long-term, meaningful difference; help children develop skills for life and provide outdoor experiences to those who have difficulty accessing nature and the outdoors.

Applications can be made via the online application form on the Herefordshire Community Foundation website Herefordshirecf.org/apply-for-a-grant/. The closing date for applications is Thursday, October 10.