Posted on Wednesday 20th January 2021
Vulnerable adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs in South Staffordshire are receiving out of hours wellbeing calls to check they are safe and well, thanks to funding from Staffordshire County Council’s Doing Our Bit community fund. Residents who live alone will also be able to attend the day centre at weekends, for a hot meal as well as support to shop and exercise.
In Stafford, a project to help families bereaved by a baby or child death will also get access to more support and resources thanks to the funding.
For young people in East Staffordshire, Tean Valley Meadow Nature Trust will be helping them learn about the environment and how they can make a difference in their local community.
These are three of over 94 local community projects now having a real impact on people’s lives thanks to funding from Staffordshire County Council.
Groups who work with and support vulnerable communities, particularly older residents and families are amongst those awarded funding from the £203k fund.
Projects ranged from promoting healthy and active lifestyles, support groups for older people, bringing communities together to providing extra services for young people.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said:
“We have a thriving voluntary and community sector here in Staffordshire who make a real difference to people’s lives every day.
“We’re really pleased with the success of the scheme and how the relatively small amounts of funding is helping groups right across the county. There’s a real mix of projects helping both children and families as well as older more vulnerable adults.
“Not only do these groups provide vital services and support within their local communities but they also help to encourage people to support each other to remain safe and well.”
Gayle Routledge from A Child of Mine in Stafford received £2,500 for their project to support families after a child bereavement. Gayle said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to have received this grant from Staffordshire County Council’s Doing Our Bit fund. The funding has helped us give the families we support an extra special Christmas by providing each one with a Christmas box of goodies for all the family. It will also help us continue to engage with our families into the New Year by sending positive postcards each week and by starting our own library with support books for our families to use. Thank you, this really has made such a big difference to us and those we support.”
Nick Morris from Rockspur CIC received £2,500 for their Brighter Winter Project. He said:
“We are absolutely delighted to have received this grant funding through Staffordshire County Council's #DoingOurBit scheme.
“ Winter represents the worst time of year for our members who all have care and support needs. The funding now means every person who attends Rockspur will get out of hours health & welfare calls Monday - Friday in the evenings when we would normally be closed. The higher the assessed risk for an individual, the more we will be in touch with them focussing on their mental health and wellbeing. Many of our members are older people who live on their own, so this contact will really help.”
Alan Williams from Tean Valley Meadow Nature Reserve received £2,468 for their young people’s project. He said:
“Young people will learn about the environment and the difference that they can make to the wildlife who live in it, especially Barn Owls, thanks to funding from Staffordshire County Council’s local community fund.
“Once the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, up to 76 young adults will be able to take part in courses to further their knowledge and to help make a difference to the future of their community.”