19th December 2007, 07/445
Voluntary and community groups benefit from cash
windfall
Thousands of pounds have been given to community groups in West
Lancashire under a brand new funding pot to help them improve lives
- just in time for Christmas!
West Lancashire District Council launched its very first 'Strategic
Fund' earlier this year to help voluntary and community groups add
value to their services.
As a result five deserving causes have been given grants and a
further two may be in the pipeline for funding too.
£10,000 has been given over three years to West Lancs Positive
Living, which supports adults with learning disability through the
provision of a supported living scheme, recreational and social
activities. This funding will contribute to the running costs and
staff will work on a one-to-one basis with individuals and families
helping them move to independence.
Vulnerable adults suffering with mental illness or a disability
will be able to do gardening for pensioners thanks to their £1,500
grant. The money will be used to help the organisation, Making
Space, purchase a trailer to help their service users interact with
the local community by doing positive work. They can also use the
trailer for camping trips, which will promote social inclusion,
exercise, healthy eating and health and well-being.
Homestart, which offers support, friendship and practical help to
families with at least one child under 5 who are experiencing
difficult times, will be given £2,000 each year for the next three
years to staff family group sessions.
Aughton-Ormskirk U3A has been given £4,050 to help them extend
their programmes and facilities to enhance the health and
well-being of retired person's lives who are members.
Relate Lancashire and Cumbria, which provides relationship/family
counselling will be given £1,000 each year for the next three years
to help them increase the amount of counselling available in their
Ormskirk office.
Cllr Rob Bailey, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, said: "I'm delighted
that we have been able to fund such worthwhile causes through this
brand new Strategic Fund. It is the first time we have launched
such a scheme and I'm sure it will have a major impact. The groups
we have chosen have been delighted to have been given this
additional funding which will allow them to carry on their
invaluable services they provide."
This also fits in with the council's intention to spend its money
wisely.
Cllr Owens, Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: "We looked at all
the applications carefully and it was a tough decision to choose
who we would give funding too but I believe that we have made our
decisions wisely. The voluntary groups and organisations that we
have chosen play a pivotal role in improving people's quality of
life, so we have invested our money well."
Funding applications from the 1st Skelmersdale (17th Ormskirk)
Scout Group and Up Holland and Tawd Vale Lions are also being
considered.
Organisations who apply for funding must be voluntary, community or
non-profit making groups and the idea is that they use this new
grant assistance to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness,
provide new or additional services, further their capacity or
increase community capital and help to further the council's and
its partners objectives.
Grant applications of £1,000 or under will be considered for
Community Chest funding.
There is no minimum or maximum amount that groups can apply for and
it can be for revenue or capital grants on a one, two or three year
basis. It also complement's the Council's existing Community Chest
Grants, which are available for all community groups and
individuals who are in need of funds for their special
projects/activities.
Anyone who would like to know more about the Strategic Fund or the
Community Chest, or to make an application, please contact Jill
Jones or Sue Griffiths, Legal and Member Services, West Lancashire
District Council, 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk, L39 2DF, or telephone
01695 585017.
Related information
> Council
news
> Grants for voluntary groups
> A to Z of Clubs and Organisations