APPLICATIONS for this year’s Newport Women’s Forum Awards scheme are now open.

Established in 1996, the Newport Women’s Forum Awards aim to empower and support women by providing funding to assist in their personal development.

Women aged 18 and over who live in Newport are invited to apply for a grant of up to £1000, and applications must be able to demonstrate that the money will help make a significant difference to their lives.

Applications are welcome from individuals or groups of women, and the closing date to return completed application forms is the May 21.

Previous winners have secured funding to help with the purchase of tools, to pay for places on training courses and fund tickets to conferences.

Rosemary Butler AM said: “The Newport Women’s Forum Awards are a fantastic opportunity for individuals or groups of women to apply for funding to help continue their professional development.”

All applications will be considered by the independent adjudicating panel, and the winners will be invited along to a special event where they will be presented with their grant.

For further information on the Awards visit newportwomensforum.wordpress.com where you can find out how to apply and download a copy of the application form.

Alternatively, call 01633 222523 to request an application form or visit the South Wales Argus, Newport Libraries, Newport Leisure Centre, Community Centres and Community Education Centres where copies of the application form are available to collect.”

Applications for the Newport Women’s Forum Awards must be received by May 21, 2014 and sent to: Newport Women’s Forum, c/o Dame Rosemary Butler AM, 72 Caerau Road, Newport, NP20 4HJ or by email to newportwomensforum@live.co.uk.

For further information call 01633 222523 or email newportwomensforum@live.co.uk