The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
£1m boost for city community groups
FUNDING WILL ‘HELP BUILD BACK SUPPORT NETWORKS’
NEWCASTLE City Council has awarded £1 million in funding to community groups around the city, with 22 different projects which aim to bring communities closer together being given grants so far.
Across a two-year programme, the council is administering the money to help fund a variety of community initiatives in the area.
The community groups have been chosen for grants based on their goals; to build relationships, create more vibrant communities, provide opportunities for residents and tackle local issues.
This funding comes from the Local Community Partnership grant scheme, which is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and headed up by the North of Tyne Combined Authority.
Cllr Alex Hay, the Newcastle City Council member involved in the scheme, said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to help support our communities in the north and outer west of the city to fund some excellent projects that will really help create more inclusive neighbourhoods in these areas. This funding will help futureproof many important community buildings that our residents rely upon, provide a range of volunteering opportunities for people to make a difference where they live, and help residents access skills and support at places that are accessible and inclusive.
“I look forward to seeing the positive difference these projects make and send my thanks to the volunteers involved in this process, who have amassed more than 400 volunteering hours between them already for the good of their neighbourhoods.”
The community groups supported include a range of volunteering opportunities, providing residents with the chance to develop different skills and engage with their wider community, as well as a variety of projects for children and young people, families, and older adults.
Other projects that have been allocated funding will help important community buildings remain open to the public, provide better facilities, and make energy efficiency improvements.
Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor, added: “Getting more cash into our communities is a must. Having emerged from the pandemic into a cost-of-living crisis, people are really struggling. When money is tight, people rightly prioritise the essentials of food, heat and shelter.
“With this new funding, we can begin to also build back the networks and services that support us when times are tough.
“There are so many organisations doing great things to improve the lives of their friends and neighbours, this fund will give them a much-needed boost.”