The Cancer Council Western Region office is calling for submissions for the second round of the Cancer Control Local Grant Program which provides funding from $500 to $3000 for groups to meet local cancer control needs.

Chairman of the Western Regional Advisory Committee, Ian Armstrong, said local people were in the best position to come up with ways of meeting the needs of their communities and the Cancer Council NSW would provide grants to help develop solutions to these issues.

Applications will be assessed by a regional committee of Cancer Council volunteers and health professionals representing all areas of cancer control.

Applications for grants up to $3000 are being invited now from community organisations to implement projects in their local area that fall into one of the following categories:

o Research

o Patient support and information

o Cancer prevention and screening

o Advocacy

o Working in the community

Last year 11 organisations in the western region received grants totalling more than $22,000 for a variety of projects including counsellor training, a respite care program for volunteers, funding for printing of information brochures, shade provision, purchase of equipment such as a wheelchair and special bed, and a cervical screening program.

Information packs will be sent to organisations throughout the western region and applications close on August 29, 2008. For enquiries about the program or to receive an application form please call Ruth Fagan at The Cancer Council on 6361 1333 or email ruthf@nswcc.org.au