The Grants Committee of the Big local DY10 Grants Programme has just announced the successful projects that will benefit from this first round of Grants funding. The total awarded was over £6,500 and the four successful projects will touch the lives of many hundreds of local residents over the coming years.

Preferring to seed projects that will become self-sustaining or to support new initiatives, the committee awarded grants to: Wyre Forest Reaching Out, a project that will provide a lunch and social club for over 55s, to help combat loneliness and isolation in later life. Their grant will be used towards buying equipment and funding their Friday project for three months, by which time it should be self-sustaining. Pat Simmonds, Founder, of the group said, ‘We are really delighted to have the grant which will enable us to expand in the Big Local DY10 area and reach more people’ Disability Action Wyre Forest will use their grant towards the costs of running a regular Hub at St Mary’s Chantry and undertaking important work in the Big Local area surveying buildings and access for disabled residents. ‘This Grant will enable us to run a grassroots Hub in the area for the exchange of information to promote better access for all.’ commented Mark Lawley, Chair of DAWF.

St George’s ‘Open Door’ Outreach project will be able to purchase six, new, round tables with a carrier to enable more people of all ages to attend and enjoy the many community activities and clubs that take place in St George’s Church and Annex. Peter Bylett of the Building Sub-Group said,’ We are extremely pleased for the Grant from DY10 as it will obviously enhance the support the Church can provide to the diverse community.’ The Grant to the Friends of Springfield Park will enable the group to host seven weeks of musical entertainment this summer in the Park to bring people of all ages together, to build up local spirit and increase appreciation of the diverse local community. Jo Knight, Vice Chair of FoSP said, ‘We are looking forward to holding these musical evenings in the Park as it was something requested by many of the community when DY10 did their research questionnaires.’ The Independent Chair (and a former Partner, who only resigned because of ill health) John Stevenson said “It has been a delight working with Partners, Staff and Applicants to test these interesting proposals against the 'ground rules' and to be able to give them funding to trial new ideas or promote expansion of what they were doing. The Partners and I will be looking forward to receiving their reports on how the projects worked out and anticipate that all will have a positive effect on their Community.’ The next round of Grants funding is now open to people or organisations that want to deliver a project within the Big Local DY10 area. John said, ’We eagerly await further proposals for this next round – it would be great if they included some from individuals who had ideas for a new business or community project they wished 'seed corn' funding to trial.” To learn more simply visit the website www.biglocady10.org.uk and download the application forms. Closing date 31st March 2016.

If you would like to be a part of the resident-led group guiding how the £1 million Big Local DY10 lottery money is spent over the coming years why not join us as a Partner? Details at the website.