CHARITIES across Stratford district gathered to celebrate securing over £500,000 in funding between them.
A host of charities at the forefront of the Covid recovery and cost of living crisis have received half a million pounds between them since the start of the pandemic, thanks to support from a Stratford District Council funded project.
And they all got together on Thursday (February 16) at the council offices to say thanks.
Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action is commissioned by SDC to employ a part-time Development Officer whose primary role is to identify funding opportunities for community groups and support them to make successful applications in an ever increasingly competitive environment for voluntary sector funding.
Groups supported by the Development Officer include Homestart South Warwickshire, Barnardo’s, Parenting Project and By Your Side who secured £39,439 for the Dad Matters project which supports new dads who have struggled with their mental health.
Stour Health and Wellbeing Partnership recently secured £10,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund, supporting the delivery of community-based projects in improving the wellbeing of local residents.
Over £66,000 was secured for the employment of the first community development worker, with a specific focus in Clopton and Bishopton, while a project to rebuild Wixford Village Hall secured £175,000.
Over £60,000 of European funding was secured to support people back into work and £26,556 from Sport England for local groups to support people back into physical activity after the COVID lockdowns.
SDC health and wellbeing spokesperson Coun Jo Barker said: “It is great to see how this project has maximised the funding provided by the district council to enable even more residents to benefit from the support of local voluntary and community groups.
“Charitable groups are vital within the local community, providing activities to support the physical and mental health of people and creating lasting local connections. I am pleased that this funding will enable additional support for local communities at a time when people are struggling with cost-of-living challenges.”
