Worcestershire County Council are hailing the success of community grant projects that have been supported across the county.
The grants were awarded as part of its ESF Community Grants program, funded by the European Social Fund to support community-based support projects.
The projects help disadvantaged individuals in gaining skills and confidence to improve their employability and become more active in their communities. Two projects that benefitted include the charities The Odell Centre in Kidderminster and Stepway, based in Worcester.
The Odell Centre, a day activity centre for adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and mental health issues, has received over £80,000 in ESF Grant Funding, helping to fund a performing arts programme, as well as an ongoing community allotment.
Stepway, an organisation that supports veterans transitioning into civilian life, has received £100,000 to allow them to work with veterans to establish their priority needs and create individual personal plans to improve wellbeing and lead to progress in employment and/or further education. The funding has also helped create an allotment to help teach people about biodiversity and self-sufficiency.
Councillor Marcus Hart, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Communities at Worcestershire County Council said: "We are thrilled to support these two projects through our ESF Community Grants program, as we are for all recipients of Community Grants. The Odell Centre and Stepway are both doing incredible work in the community, providing crucial support to individuals who may face additional barriers to employment and integration, and we are proud to partner with them.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to have on the lives of those they serve. Worcestershire County Council remains committed to supporting programs like these that work towards a more inclusive and equitable community."
Overall, the ESF Community Grants project has provided £978,261 to 19 different providers across Worcestershire, supporting over 800 participants. All participants were unemployed, making this funding particularly impactful in providing opportunities for those who may face barriers to employment in the county.
You can watch videos on how ESF funding has helped the two projects mentioned by visiting YouTube or watching them below:
STEPWAY
THE ODELL CENTRE
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