- Area:
- South West England
- Release date:
- 26 4 2013
Welcome to the April update from the Big Lottery Fund in the south west. In this edition we bring you up to date with some of our funding programmes, give some examples of projects in the south west who have received an award and some other awards and grants information which you may find interesting.
Read about Fulfilling Lives: Ageing Better a £70 million investment in England to help improve the lives of vulnerable older people. A BIG funded project in Cornwall, Live at Home is having an impact on their local community by helping older people retain their independence and remain in their own home. For one lady the only time she goes out is for their monthly Sunday lunch club, with the help of volunteers she’s able to meet and socialise.
A project in Cornwall has just received a Prime Minister’s Big Society Award; CATS (Community Action Through Sport) in Cornwall received a People’s Millions award in 2007 to tackle issues of anti-social behaviour and crime. They have been achieving this through the use of sports and community based activities. The Prime Minister’s Big Society Award recognises and celebrates individuals, groups or organisations that are doing exceptional work in their community, going above and beyond to make things better for others.
BIG’s Communications team have recently published a small film on Furniture Recycling project which is based in Gloucester. They encourage the recycling of furniture and household items to disadvantaged households in Gloucestershire. In the film you’ll hear how the project is working with NEETS (not in Education, employment or training) through their training scheme and the difference the organisation is making to their community.
Catherine Stevens, Policy and Learning Manager from BIG attended the opening of Sustrans Two Tunnels Greenway. A four mile stretch of disused railway line has been transformed into a new walking and cycling path between Bath and Midford. Thousands flocked to the opening and celebrations.
Couple of dates for your diaries: People’s Millions applications must be in by noon on 13 May so there’s still time to apply and you could receive up to £50k. Sunday 2 June is Big Lunch day, where up and down the country neighbours will be coming together to share lunch and getting to know each other. Research shows that out of 3,000 more than half of those surveyed just didn’t know their neighbours and one in four having no idea what their names are.
Don’t forget you can follow what the South West team is doing in the region on Twitter; http://twitter.com/TeamBIGSW
Kind Regards
South West Team