The grants are from BIG’s Reaching Communities programme that aims to improve the lives of people in need across England.
Helping vulnerable families cope with disability, isolation, low income and relationship difficulties, Home-Start Blaby District Oadby & Wigston receives £431,518. The scheme, targeting those with children up to age five, will provide training on a range of skills, such as decision making, confidence building, coping with stress and positive parenting.
The project, which will also host fun family play sessions and healthy eating courses, will provide a home visit service and offer advice and guidance on specialist support available from other helper organisations.
Joan Trigg, Scheme Manager, Home Start said,
“Achieving an award of this size is the most fantastic news for the scheme but most importantly for the children, families and volunteers we can now support, particularly in Oadby, Wigston and South Wigston where we have previously been unable to meet the expanding demands for our services due to lack of sustainable funding.
“We are so excited about the prospect of delivering not only our dreams but those of our referrers, families and volunteers. A BIG thank you to everyone involved in the bid and particularly to the Big Lottery Fund for supporting such a huge project, the tears of joy have now turned into huge smiles!”
Reducing isolation for adults with learning disabilities in Nottinghamshire, Just Good Friends Club are awarded over £69,000. The project, which aims to offer those aged 16 and over the opportunity to create their own social and leisure activities within a well-structured and safe environment, will hold weekly social evenings, in Whitwell, Pinxton and Bolsover. The club will host a wide range of activities, such as bingo, charades, fancy dress, and special theme nights with dancing, music and food.
Good friends looking to spread their wings further can also enjoy trips to local pubs, theatres, tenpin bowling and visits to sporting events. The project aims to encourage friendship and independence, and help reduce stigma within the wider community.
Support Worker Elaine Bell said:
"We are absolutely delighted that the Big Lottery Fund has awarded us this grant. Our members will benefit greatly by being able to access evening social activities within the local and wider communities, which are often not available to them. This will help to broaden horizons and give much needed confidence to integrate with others, reduce loneliness, isolation and prejudices".
Mick McGrath, Head of Region for East Midlands, said:
“Reaching Communities is about supporting organisations across the country that make a real difference in people’s lives. These projects will open up new horizons for disadvantaged people of all ages across the East Midlands and the Big Lottery Fund recognises the important contribution that these valuable services offer to the community. “
