Council grants for voluntary groups help people most in need

Over 70 voluntary and community groups and organisations providing sporting, arts, cultural and community development activities, as well as legal advice and employment support, are set to benefit.

A report published last week, for consideration at the council's Community Services Scrutiny Committee in January, details those organisations and activities earmarked for grants.

Grant applications had to provide evidence to show how activities arising from the funding would tackle social and/ or economic inequality for those residents in greatest need.

Applicants also had to show how they would meet the council’s objectives of improving health and wellbeing, bringing communities together, improving employment opportunities or creating a stronger voluntary sector in the city.

Those that demonstrated how their work will support those in most need are being recommended for funding, although all grants are still subject to the council’s overall budget setting process which is set to conclude in February.

Among those set to benefit from grant funding are: Cambridge Citizens’ Advice Bureau for generalist and specialist legal advice and financial capability work, Cambridge Adult Disability Multisport Club, Arts and Minds, Cambridge Older People’s Enterprise, Meadows Children & Family Project, SexYOUality and Chinese Families Together for activities to bring people together to reduce isolation, develop skills and confidence, and promote good health and wellbeing.

Romsey Mill are recommended for funding to deliver a range of projects including music-based activities for young people, a youth club for boys with Asperger's Syndrome, skills courses for young parents, multi-sport and life coaching sessions for young fathers.

Cllr Richard Johnson, Executive Councillor for Communities, said: “These organisations are examples of the strong, diverse voluntary sector in Cambridge that plays a huge role in our city - helping those people in greatest need.

“Their work makes a real difference and it is right that the council does all it can to support them.

“Although money remains tight, we hope to be able to fund a large number of excellent organisations, large and small, that are doing great things in our city and maximise the impact for City residents.”

Subject to approval of the council’s overall budget, the community grants budget will be fixed at £900,000 for a further year. £60,000 of the community grants budget for 2016-17 will be allocated by the council’s area committees.

Cllr Johnson is recommended to approve the grants funding package at Community Services Scrutiny Committee on 14 January.

 
Reports presented to council committees are available on the council’s website: http://democracy.cambridge.gov.uk/ieDocHome.aspx

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Contacts


Cllr Richard Johnson (Labour Group), Executive Councillor for Communities, email: richard.johnson@cambridge.gov.uk, tel: 07712 129529

Cllr Zoe O’Connell, (Liberal Democrat Group), Opposition spokesperson, email: zoe.oconnell@cambridge.gov.uk tel: 01223 750676

Cllr John Hipkin, (Minorities Group), Opposition spokesperson, email: castleindependent@gmail.com, tel: 01223 564126

Liz Bisset, Director of Customer and Community Services, email: liz.bisset@cambridge.gov.uk, tel: 01223 457801

Debbie Kaye, Head of Community, Arts and Recreation, email: debbie.kaye@cambridge.gov.uk, tel: 01223 458633

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