A LITTLE help has gone a long way to support mental health charity Restore transport its members in South Oxfordshire every day of the week.

Good causes across the county are being invited to apply for a slice of funding worth up to £10,000 each, which is being given away by the Oxford Mail’s parent company Gannett Media.

The grant scheme, part of the firm's charity arm Gannett Foundation, runs annually to support the community and has helped secure the future for many smaller charities since the late 1990s.

Staff at Restore said the grant it received made a huge difference to people the charity helps all year round.

In 2009 Restore received a £15,000 grant from the foundation towards the cost of a new minibus at its base in Fleet Meadow, Didcot, and the vehicle is still being used every day.

The charity provides training and one-to-one help for its members and staff say the minibus is a lifeline for those needing to get to the centre in Sandringham Road.

Restore's acting head of fundraising Fiona Young said: "The minibus does a huge number of miles.

"It's absolutely crucial for bringing people in from the villages to Fleet Meadow.

"Lots of people who come to Restore in Didcot live out in the villages and they don't have their own transport or they can't drive so they rely on the minibus to get them here.

"People with moderate to severe mental health difficulties come here up to three times a week for as long as they need.

"Some have a fear of taxis or buses but they are happy to get in the minibus - it's a lifeline for them."

Oxford Mail managing editor Sara Taylor said: "This is a great chance for charities across the county to apply for extra funding in what is a financially difficult time.

"It is becoming increasingly hard for charities and community projects to secure extra funding and I would hope many take advantage of this opportunity.

"I am also glad to see that the trustees have expanded its criteria to welcome more organisations, such as scouting or guiding groups, to apply."

Each year a special theme is chosen and this time it is the needs of rural communities, although all applications that meet the general criteria will be given equal consideration.

To apply you must represent a registered charity or must not have received a grant from the foundation within the past two years.

Applications will only be accepted electronically on the approved application form with full answers and necessary materials given.

The closing date for applications is Friday, October 14, and forms can be found at oxfordmail.co.uk/gannettfoundation