North West Big Briefing

In this issue:

• BIG in the North West
• Jubilee jubilation – The Queens Diamond Jubilee
• Daisy Inclusive
• How can we help you?
• Further information 

Funding programmes open to your constituents

You can use our Funding Finder to search for funding programmes that are available for your constituents, while our grants search will allow you to find projects that have been funded in your constituency.

See a list of funding programmes open to your constituents

BIG in the North West

The Big Lottery Fund has awarded over £35 million to projects across the North West over the last financial year, benefitting projects across the region. 1174 grants totalling over £10 million were made under our small grants programme Awards for All and 82 grants totalling over £22 million were made through our flagship programme Reaching Communities.

Jubilee jubilation – The Queens Diamond Jubilee

Last month saw projects all across the North West bringing out the bunting to hold street parties, festivals and lunches over the Jubilee weekend.

Silloth Tourism Action Group in Cumbria received £10,000 Awards for All funding to host a three day festival to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee for local people and visitors to the area. A temporary ice rink was installed as part of the festivities.

Jubilee People’s Millions Winners ‘Brinnington Residents Association’ held a ‘Festival of Light’ on 24th March. The group won £22,000 and the support of the public to stage the festival. Local volunteers, schools, guide and scout groups helped to make lanterns with a ‘Regal Theme’ with the help of community artists. They then held a lantern parade through North Stockport culminating in a garden of light and firework display at Reddish Vale County Park. Mary Dutton, Parade Organiser “Stockport’s Festival of Light is made possible thanks to the dedication and commitment of the Brinnington Volunteers and the Jubilee People’s Millions.

Daisy Inclusive

At the age of 30, a rare genetic eye disease, Retinitis Pigmentosa caused Liverpool born Dave Kelly to lose his eyesight.  His life was turned upside down and for the first 2 years he struggled to come to terms with what had happened.

His experiences inspired him to help others.  Describing himself as ‘a blind man with a vision’  his wish was that disabled people should have the same opportunities and chances as everyone else to reach their true potential.

Dave founded Daisy UK CIC, a non-profit making Community Interest Company whose aim is to offer disabled people of all ages support, education advice and guidance and promote better understanding of disability. In August 2011, Daisy Inclusive UK received £10,000 from Awards for All to establish an IT suite with specialist equipment to accommodate people with sensory and physical disabilities.

With the specialist equipment, Daisy now delivers inclusive ICT training and provide free access to adapted computer technology for a range of skill development opportunities.

“Receiving the money from Awards for All meant the world to Daisy, it means that we can now help others who without this service would struggle. Not only have Big Lottery Fund helped us, they have given us the ability to help others” says Dave.

Ian Gibb, Operations and Premises Manager, started at Daisy on a work placement.  Ian is registered blind and had been out of work for 18 months, he was struggling with being unemployed.  Ian has progressed and now works full time at Daisy.

“I enjoy coming to work every day, everything we do here we do it with a smile.  The services they provide are brilliant.  Some of the people we support have very complex needs, we are able to help with advice and support helping them to fulfil their true potential”

How can we help you?