A housing association is inviting companies and organisations to bid for a share of a £100,000 pot for projects to improve the area around its new homes.

The community investment fund has been launched by mhs homes to help people living in its properties to get online, manage their money and find a new job.

The social landlord is inviting organisations to apply for between £2,000 to £20,000 to deliver projects that "directly benefit our customers".

It is part of a strategy that will invest £1 million over four years.

mhs said it aims to make sure its customers are supported and encouraged to find employment, gain financial skills to manage their household budgets and access the internet to use online services.

Ian Long, community investment manager at mhs homes, said: “As one of Kent’s largest independent social landlords it is really important to us that we support our customers, especially through the challenge of welfare reforms.

“We believe the best way to do this is by funding local organisations, enabling them to work alongside our customers, providing them with the support they need, when and where they need it.

"Through our community investment fund we want to significantly increase the level of provision available to enable our customers to prosper.”

The closing date for applications is Friday, August 21. Successful projects will be notified within four weeks.

For more information, or to apply call Ian Long on 01634 354199 or email Community.Investment@mhs.org.uk.