The Governing Council has greenlit a call for applications with two lines of aid, each amounting to 750,000 euros, aimed at consolidating the population in the region's rural areas. The grants are directed towards inter-municipal associations with municipalities having fewer than 2,500 inhabitants.
The initiative, which began in 2022 as a pilot project in the Sierra Norte and is part of the 'Pueblos con Vida' (Towns with Life) program, will fund the creation and maintenance of care networks for residents over 65 years old.
The 'Cuídame' program includes proximity services such as companionship, social activities, prevention and mobility support, in addition to home help and telecare. It also offers services like podiatry, laundry, hairdressing, minor home repairs, healthy and local meals, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.
Furthermore, inter-municipal associations can allocate the funds to economic revitalization and rural entrepreneurship projects that help retain population and generate opportunities, especially for young people. These training activities may cover fields such as hospitality, languages, music, dance, plastic arts, and design.
The deadline for submitting applications for both calls will be ten business days from the publication of the call in the Official Regional Gazette (BOCM).
