GOOD causes in Stratford have received a welcome financial boost thanks to funding awarded as part of our final funding round of 2019. More than £219,000 has been distributed to 12 local voluntary and community groups.
Entrust Care Partnership has been awarded £10,666 to provide a Family Support Worker to work with families caring for a child or young person with disabilities. The project draws on research that shows 72% of families with disabled children experience poor mental health as a result of the challenges they face.
Lynne Barton, Director of Entrust said: “We know that it costs three times more to raise a disabled child. We know that repeated studies find stigma, lack of support, increased stress and insufficient respite which can leave some families feeling as though they are at breaking point. This funding will enable us to provide advice and guidance, increase family resilience and improve wellbeing.”
Warwickshire Vision Support engage and support those with visual impairments to improve confidence, reduce isolation and promote independence. Funding of £5,950 means they can continue to run their weekly recreational club, which for some members is the only activity they attend. It will also support their Home Visitor Service which reaches out to those who are immobile, lack family support or are restricted due to a lack of transport.
Louise Jelley, Fundraising and Senior Vision Support Officer said: “For some people who use our service, the company and conversation keeps them connected with society. Others appreciate having their mail read to them, or a book or a newspaper.”
Young people facing distress will benefit from £25,970 of funding awarded to Lifespace, so they can provide one to one mentoring to improve understanding of mental health and improve levels of confidence.
Andrea Gardner, Business Support Manager said: “Funding means we can provide empathetic listening in a safe space and build resilience by developing coping strategies. Our ultimate aim is to help young people to fulfil their potential.”
Other grants were awarded to:
| Acorns Children’s Hospice | £24,570 |
| Refuge | £20,000 |
| Time4Hope | £12,400 |
| Safeline | £35,450 |
| The Parenting Project | £15,000 |
| Keep Playing | £8,820 |
| Stratford-upon-Avon Foodbank | £30,000 |
| Warwickshire Reminiscence Action Project (WRAP) | £27,000 |
| Central England Lip reading Support Trust (CELST) | £2,200 |
Sara Aspley, Chief Executive, Stratford Town Trust said: “We know that social isolation, poverty and poor mental health are issues that affect all communities. We’re proud to fund the charities and groups in our town that are working to break down barriers and provide much needed support to those dealing with challenging circumstances. We’re committed to extending our reach in 2020 to make even more impact in Stratford.”
Non-profit organisations interested in applying for the next round of funding in early 2020 can find out more by visiting our grants page.