A Lottery boost for community project
A ground-breaking partnership struck to help rejuvenate Southwick has received a seal of approval – by the National Lottery.
The SARA Project – an acronym for Southwick Altogether Raising Aspirations – was launched in September last year to help revitalise the area and support the communities who live there.
Based at Austin House in Shakespeare Street, the projectsees key organisations and support services including the police, local authority, social services and housing providers working together under the same roof to provide swift and effective long-term outcomes for residents.
After making a significant impact working with hundreds of local families over the last 12 months, the SARA Project has now received a National Lottery Community Fund grant.
The funding will help the team to continue to increase access for residents to services and build on the last year’s solid foundation until at least 2025.
Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt, of Northumbria Police, said: “Ever since this project was launched, we have had some remarkable successes in terms of problem-solving and achieving long-term solutions to issues that will benefit the residents of Southwick.
“That has included everything from putting preventative measures in place to tackle anti-social behaviour around Cato Street to rehousing vulnerable individuals into supported accommodation and working with community groups to renovate South wick Green.
“The feedback we have had from the local community has been fantastic–and this funding means we can go on delivering this innovative project and work with the community of Southwick to continue to make the area a pleasant and safe place to live and work.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “I helped fund The SARA project last year as we wanted to bring support together and improve lives for the people of Southwick”
Southwick Councillor and SARA representative, Cllr Alex Samuels, added: “Residents have been with us on every step of this journey.
"The project is already making a very real difference to people’s lives and this funding will mean we can do even more.”