BIG support for York's communities at crisis point

Area:

Yorkshire and the Humber

Programme:

Reaching Communities

Release date:

16 10 2012

A Yorkshire charity that supports vulnerable people facing incredibly challenging situations is one of five groups in the region today sharing over £1.5 million from the Big Lottery Fund (BIG).

The funding comes from BIG’s Reaching Communities programme which aims to build stronger communities. The Hinge Centre is receiving just over £409,000 to consolidate and continue its work providing a safe environment and non-judgemental advice, information and support to people in Goole, with services being expanded into Bridlington. People who use the centre are often experiencing a wide range of issues that have made them socially isolated.  They may be homeless, surviving relationship breakdown, neglect, or abuse and could have poor literacy, mental health issues, or experience of drug or alcohol misuse.

The centre provides training and volunteering opportunities and helps people build their confidence through life and social skills. It also helps people to sort out housing issues and provides cooking and laundry facilities, an IT suite and a food bank. A regular social group is available for adults with mental and physical health needs where they can take part in crafts, baking, sports, walks, games and group support.

Martin Crossland of The Hinge Centre said: “It is fantastic news that our Chances for Life project has been funded for a further four years and we can expand the project into Bridlington, which has the highest levels of deprivation in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

“After consulting with the communities of Bridlington and Goole we know this funding will allow us to support those most in need and have a considerable impact. Without the on-going support and funding we have received from BIG we wouldn’t be able to support such a diverse range of individuals to improve their day-to-day lives.”

Also providing a haven for vulnerable people in the community is Husthwaite Village Hall, which receives £470,154 to enable it to be refurbished so it can provide facilities for a wide range of activities and services, especially those aimed at older and isolated people, teenagers and families with very young children. Public transport in this rural village is very limited, there is no post office and the village shop is expected to close.

The existing village hall was created in 1920 from two ex-military wooden barracks sheds. It has had little investment or improvement over the years and is now in dire need of attention so it can continue serving its community. The hall is already the base for several local clubs and hosts a regular schedule of activities and entertainment, and the refurbishment will allow these to be expanded. The group will also establish youth clubs, a mother and toddler group, after-school clubs, film nights, sports, cooking, art and crafts, a job club and support sessions for help with setting up businesses.

Also receiving funding this month is Doncaster Rape and Sexual Counselling Service (DRASACS), which will use £246,520 to support victims of rape or sexual assault in area, and their parents and carers. Approximately seven sexual assaults, or attempted sexual assaults, take place in Doncaster each day and the project aims to reduce waiting times for counselling. It is vital that specialist support is available immediately for victims, as they can experience flashbacks, feelings of social isolation and emotional distress, which can develop into mental ill health, self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

Through one-to-one counselling, clients will gain an understanding of the trauma, embrace their future and make choices and decisions which have a positive impact on their lives. Various therapies, such as creative workshops, will help to address associated issues and develop coping strategies. Experienced counsellors will run support groups to allow clients to mix with people who have been through similar experiences. It’s estimated that 800 victims of rape or sexual assault will be helped by the project, which is unique in the region as around 18 per cent of clients are male.

Vanessa White, Big Lottery Fund’s Head of the Yorkshire and Humber region, said: “These projects will all provide a haven, a listening ear and vital support and understanding to vulnerable and isolated people across the region. The work of these groups is literally life changing and will help make communities happier and healthier places to live.”

A full list of groups receiving funding in Yorks and Humber today:

Further information

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 020 7211 1888

Out of hours media contact: 07867 500 572

Full details of the Big Lottery Fund programmes and grant awards are available on the website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

Ask BIG a question here: https://ask.biglotteryfund.org.uk

Follow BIG on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BigLotteryFund #BIGlf

Find BIG on facebook: www.facebook.com/BigLotteryFund

Notes to Editors

• The Big Lottery Fund (BIG), the largest distributor of National Lottery good cause funding, is responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised for good causes by the National Lottery.
• BIG is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need and has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK. Since June 2004 BIG has awarded over £4.4bn.
• The Fund was formally established by Parliament on 1 December 2006.
• Since the National Lottery began in 1994, 28p from every pound spent by the public has gone to good causes. As a result, over £28 billion has now been raised and more than 383,000 grants awarded across arts, sport, heritage, charities, health, education and the environment.

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