Lingen Davies and SCF are launching a £15,000 micro-grant programme to strengthen community-led peer support networks for people affected by cancer across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales.

Lingen Davies has been enhancing cancer services and support since 1979, investing over £20 million in cancer treatment, equipment, awareness, and patient support. The charity’s mission is to improve the lives of people affected by cancer and to ensure they have access to the best possible care and support close to home.

Grant Details

• Total Available Fund: £15,000
• Grant Size per Group/Organisation: Up to £500
• Geographical Focus: Telford, Wrekin, Shropshire, and Mid Wales
• Funding Period: Activities supported must be completed within 12 months of receiving the grant
• Launch Date: 17^th of October 2025
• Submission Deadline: 28^th of November 2025.

Objectives & Activities

The Lingen Davies Fund is designed to strengthen and sustain regular, user-led connections between people living with or beyond cancer and their families and carers. Rather than funding one-off, short-term projects, it will support local, peer-led groups, both new and established that provide ongoing opportunities to meet, share experiences, and offer mutual support. These gatherings will help participants build friendships, exchange knowledge, and access the peer-to-peer support they need.

The overall aim is to build a network of sustainable, user-led organisations that cover the whole region, with a particular focus on areas of high deprivation and where services are lacking

Eligibility Criteria

1. Organisation Type:
   • Current voluntary or community organisation or intention to start a new one
   • Must be user-led or show clear evidence of involving people with lived experience of cancer in shaping the group.
2. Beneficiaries:
   • Support groups for people aged 18 and over impacted by cancer, including current and former patients, families of those living with cancer, and carers.
   • Priority will be given to groups working in areas of high deprivation, with those likely to experience health inequalities for any reason, or where there are limited existing services.
3. Group requirements:
   • Must hold regular group meetings for a minimum of six months
   • Can fund room hire, refreshments and speaker costs
   • Activities that strengthen connections between local groups and encourage peer collaboration.

Can not be used to purchase equipment.

1. Assessment Criteria:
   • Contribution to a wider network of cancer support.
   • Evidence of need in the location or community.
   • Commitment to regular, sustained activity.
   • Impact.

Reporting and Ongoing Support

Successful applicants will:

• Provide a short update at six months.
• Submit a final summary after the funding period describing the benefits for group members, how connections have been strengthened, and any learning.

Groups receiving funding will also be offered ongoing support, including opportunities for training and networking with other groups.