WOMEN from across Newport are being encouraged to apply for a bursary from the Newport Women’s Forum.

Celebrating its twentieth year, the Newport Women’s Forum aims to empower and support women by providing personal development funding.

Women aged 18 and over who live in Newport can apply for a grant of up to £1000 by demonstrating that the money will make a significant difference.

Applications are welcome from individuals or groups of women, and the closing date to return application forms is the May 20.

Previous winners have secured funding to help with the purchase of specialist equipment, places on training courses and personal development.

Rosemary Butler, Chair of Newport Women’s Forum 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.”

Mosaic artist Stephanie Roberts received a £250 grant to help buy materials for an exhibition of her work.

She said as a single mother of two receiving the grant around ten years ago, it helped her to launch her work and give her confidence in her abilities.

“I heard about it through word of mouth as an enthusiastic individual who wanted to work on my career again,” she said.

“It is important as you need every little bit of help when you are starting out.

“It is [the grant] putting you in the right direction and it was really good to feel that people believed in you and to be given the opportunity to talk about your work in public.

“It is important for women to go for it as it can be that little bit of money that you can invest.

“It helps you to believe in yourself.”

Previously the grant has helped both individuals and groups to achieve their goals.

These include a women’s group which was awarded a grant of £750 for self defence equipment and to fund an instructor and new mum who received £299 for her to pitch her script at the London Screenwriters’ Festival.

A Newport sculptor was also awarded £500 to design and set up a website to enable her to work more from home.

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

For further information on the awards visit www.newportwomensforum.wordpress.com where you can download a copy of the application form.

Alternatively, call 01633 222523 to request an application form or pick one up from the South Wales Argus.