Posted on Friday 28th October 2011
Community fund showcased at national conference
A fund dedicated to invigorating community based services was showcased at a leading national conference.
The Community Wellbeing Fund was showcased at the National Adult and Children's Conference in London.
The fund offers up to £10,000 to small local community groups, clubs, Parish Councils, village halls and others that can establish new projects that benefit older and potentially vulnerable people.
From its launch in 2010, a total of £1million will be provided over four years. The conference was a chance for other councils across the country to see what is being done in Staffordshire to help community projects, and had top names like Paul Burstow, Minister of State for Social Care, in the audience.
County Councillor Matthew Ellis, Cabinet Member for Adult Wellbeing said: "The Community Wellbeing Fund is unique to Staffordshire, and is just one example of how we are supporting growing and improving services across the county. The conference was an opportunity for us to show on a national stage how instead of cutting budgets, we are actually committed to improving and investing in services to benefit the people of Staffordshire."
"Through previous rounds of funding, we have been able to benefit nearly 6000 people by funding projects in their local area. Our aim is to benefit many more.
"We target groups who really want to work with their community, and really want to make a difference. We have seen many projects benefitting from this fund, providing a valuable service to their community and improving people's lives as a result."
Kevin Healey is from Staffordshire Adults Autistic Society (SAAS). They received money from the Community Wellbeing fund to set up Autism Radio UK, the UK's first radio station dedicated to those with autism.
He said: "The impact from the Community Wellbeing fund has been amazing. It's helped so many people both locally and nationally with autism. This station has been a major break through in the autism community, because people on the autism spectrum have a voice for the first time. It has empowered people on the spectrum with their confidence, self esteem and most importantly their communication, giving them the chance to interact with others. People with autism often find social interaction and communication difficult, and this project as given then new skills for the first time."
The closing date for applications to the fund is November 30. More information about the Community Wellbeing Fund is available on the website:|, or contact Shelley Brough on 01785 27 8279., or contact Shelley Brough on 01785 27 8279.