The grant of over £250,000 is awarded by BIG as part of the Reaching Communities programme, which aims to help those most in need and build stronger communities.
Disability Direct will use the award of £252,142 to fund their new 'Big Help' project for older and disabled people in the community who are isolated, with little or no family support. They may also experience language or cultural barriers, illness or disability and do not have access to affordable transport.
Amarjit Raju, Chief Executive at Disability Direct, said:
"We are delighted with this grant award and feel very excited about the opportunities we will be able to create for older and disabled people in Derby. With a growing and ageing population, there are more and more people becoming socially isolated with very little communication with people outside. We shall begin recruiting new staff later this month and hope to kick-start the project in May."
The Derby-based project will target vulnerable disabled people, particularly those from BME communities living in Normanton, Sinfin and Peartree. Outreach workers will befriend older people and encourage them to take part in activities such as coffee mornings, tea dances, arts and crafts, outings, access to support services, fitness, healthy eating and cookery groups, including curry making and 'bring a samosa' events.
The project aims to embrace different cultures and encourage people to mix together. Supported by Disability Direct staff, participants will have a say in planning the project and deciding on their activities.
Mick McGrath, Big Lottery Fund Head of Region for East Midlands, said:
"This project is an excellent example of how the Reaching Communities programme is enabling local organisations to provide huge benefits for vulnerable people throughout our region. Disability Direct will offer new hope to vulnerable older and disabled people who feel cut off from others and help bring them into the community."
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