THE Okehampton and District Chamber of Trade and Okehampton and Area Senior Voice are among the organisations to benefit from Okehampton Town Council's grant aid scheme. The council granted both organisations the full £500 on offer at their latest policy and resources meeting on July 28. The senior voice group requested the money to contribute to their project to make Okehampton a dementia friendly town. The Dementia Friendly Okehampton initiative was launched at a dementia awareness day in the Charter Hall in July. Cllr Christine Marsh said: 'I went to the dementia awareness day — it was excellent. It is an initiative that is very much worth supporting.' The chamber of trade will use the money to contribute to hanging baskets and Christmas lights to encourage more people to use and enjoy the town centre. Cllr Terry Cummings said: 'We should support our local businesses in a way that is suitable for us as a council to do so. This is one of those opportunities.' Get Changed Theatre Company was granted £493.06 to fund the purchase of equipment for self publicity and promotional work. Get Changed provides a unique service for adults with learning disabilities in Mid and West Devon. Drama, dance and art are used as a medium for its members to develop confidence, make choices, develop life-skills and improve mental health. The charity was formed in 1995 and runs a programme of weekly workshops throughout the year, culminating in annual productions and performances. At the beginning of this financial year, the council allocated £12,000 to be distributed to organisations and charities benefitting the community. Councillors regularly review grant applications, and make a conscientious effort to spread the money as fairly and wisely as possible. The maximum donation is capped at £500. The council is always keen to invite applications for the grant aid funding from organisations both big and small, in an effort to support as many people in Okehampton as possible. If you feel your organisation could benefit from the council's grant aid scheme, contact the town hall on 01837 53179.