The success of the Community Renewal Fund is being celebrated in Worcestershire as the Government scheme comes to an end.
The county was awarded £2.7 million when the scheme was announced back in 2021 by UK Government, and the social value of the scheme to the county is estimated to be just over £21 million.
Projects such as Young Enterprise, Upskilling in Malvern Hills and Wychavon, Made in Worcester Creative Collective, Worcestershire Wellbeing and Jobs, Betaden Tech Bootcamp Pilot, and Zero Carbon Ready Worcestershire have all benefitted significantly from the scheme, with the scheme giving the projects long-term foundations on which to build.
Councillor Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Skills at Worcestershire County Council said: “It is fantastic that Worcestershire has been able to pilot these innovative projects. For them to have created an estimated social value of £21m to the County, and to see just how much has been delivered in 12 months is commendable. I want to thank our delivery partners for their dedication and hard work.”
The scheme has a lasting legacy for the county, and the economy. Over 5,000 people have been supported to further their education; 24 people have studied for and achieved a qualification, and 183 people have found employment.
Over 3,000 people have been supported with life skills such as interview skills and budgeting.
Over 200 businesses have been supported through the scheme with grants and advice.
The scheme has also had a positive impact on the county’s environment; over 4,000 tonnes of carbon have been reduced.
Worcestershire County Council is committed to growing and thriving the county’s economy, ensuring it generates wealth for residents and businesses enabling them to fulfil their aspirations, through its Corporate Plan, Shaping Worcestershire’s Future.