An ACT intergenerational pen pal service, a filmmaking workshop, Playstations for seniors, and a leatherwork workshop are among the recipients of the main round of the 2020-21 Seniors Grant Program and Veterans Grant Program.

Nine Seniors Grants totalling $70,000 and nine Veterans Grants totalling $69,600 have been awarded.

A second round will provide an additional $10,000 in Seniors Grants and $10,400 in Veterans Grants. Applications opened on Monday 1 March and will close on Friday 23 April.

The Seniors Grants fund innovative projects that promote seniors as valued, active members of the ACT community – particularly projects that address elder abuse, enhanced social inclusion, and the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders and migrant seniors.

The Veterans Grants supports veterans and their families’ wellbeing and social inclusion.

Emma Davidson, Assistant Minister for Families and Community Services, congratulated the recipients.

“These grants help people have a voice, and feel valued and part of their communities,” she said. “I look forward to seeing these innovative projects roll out to support seniors and veterans in our community.”

The Cuppacumbalong Foundation received a Veterans Grant to teach leatherwork to defence personnel with children in Canberra.

“The funding will provide great opportunities for Canberra Defence families to spend quality creative time together to create an heirloom,” executive director Alexandra Wass said. “It will be a lovely day for families to come together in a safe environment and share an experience.”

Northside ACT received a Seniors Grant for their Intergenerational Pen Pal Project. Executive director Kate Wisbey said she was “absolutely thrilled”.

The program – run with Ainslie Primary School and the University of Canberra – will reduce social isolation for old people by having them write letters to new, much younger friends.

“What a thrill it will be when students from Ainslie Primary School finally get to meet their older pen pals at the end of the three-month project,” Ms Wisbey said.

To apply for funding in the second round, and to see a full list of previous recipients of the Seniors and Veterans Grants, visit https://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/home/grants.

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