£300,000 of ward pot funding is available

Hundreds of local community groups and projects across the city are set to benefit from a £300,000 '˜ward pot.'

Local councillors are seeking bids from community groups for funding, while others are allocating funds for local services, equipment and environmental improvements.

Last year, more than 300 community groups benefitted from ‘ward pots,’ with grants ranging from £250 - to help fund cricket coaching in Nether Edge - to £1,000 - for computer classes in Parson Cross. Brass bands, sports clubs, gardening groups, youth clubs and friendship groups also received funding to tackle local issues such as combatting loneliness and developing skills that can lead to employment.

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Coun Jack Scott, Sheffield City Council’s cabinet member for community services, said: “We’re a city of strong and vibrant communities with a lot going on locally.

“I know thousands of people give up their time for free to help with groups and activities that make things better for others and help their local area. This funding is to support this and tackle the things that really matter to local people. A small grant can be priceless as it helps community groups run activities as well as bringing people together.”

The Riva Club Project in Hillsborough was one of the projects that received funding last year to help increase social activity and tackle loneliness. It received £147 to buy a bingo machine which is now used on Friday afternoon bingo sessions at The Old Library Tea Rooms. For some of the people attending this session, it’s the only day of the week they manage to get out to meet with people and, for those living alone, it’s a rare opportunity to socialise. Local councillors have already begun speaking to their communities about this year’s funding which will tackle a number of priorities, set by local councillors, including reducing social isolation, improving the local environment, encouraging better health, tackling anti-social behaviour and building cohesion.

Call 0114 205 7300 for information on applying for the ward pot funding.