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A total of 17 projects across the area received money from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Community Grants scheme.
Voluntary, community and social enterprise groups could apply for between £3,000 and £20,000, for projects that would build local pride and belonging, increase life chances, and build resilient and safer neighbourhoods.
The aim was to create lasting impact, with a focus on inclusivity, innovation and sustainability.
- School groups, children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and adults have enjoyed outdoor activities and forest school sessions. The UKSPF money supported 18 environmental activities and events at Goblin Combe, and more than 380 people took part.
- A welcoming space for refugees to share meals during tough times was created by Refugees Welcome North Somerset (RWNS). The grant funding paid for essential cooking equipment, which enabled more than 1,500 meals to be served to 132 people. The project, led by two part-time staff and 27 volunteers, was a source of comfort to people dealing with difficult circumstances including homelessness, forced moves, refused asylum decisions and health crises. Lasting friendships have been created as a result and has led to people celebrating more positive news together, such as new homes, babies and jobs.
- Training programmes have brought lasting benefits to parents and carers of children and young people with SEND. North Somerset Parent Carers Working Together (NSPCWT) used UKSPF funding to deliver 15 sessions on classroom support, child transitions, and navigating resources to 129 participants. In collaboration with company Neuroteachers, neurodiversity training has also been delivered.
- More adults are learning to read thanks to Read Easy North Somerset, part of a national, volunteer-led reading coaching programme. UKSPF funding has enabled the charity to recruit more coaches and provide additional learning materials, leading to more adults in North Somerset learning to read and improving their life chances.
Find out more about the grant programme by emailing policypartnershipteam@n-somerset.gov.uk.