In these very uncertain and worrying times, we wanted to share some good news following our latest Grants Committee meeting which took place on 10 March.
We work with organisations across Bedford Borough; small and large, all with a wide variety of aims and it’s heart-warming to hear of the incredible work which is taking place in our area. The meeting itself was a marathon event with a huge crop of quality applications to consider, but we are delighted to announce that we made awards totalling £490,620 to 17 organisations.
Some of the grants we have made will be helping local residents manage the difficult months ahead. Undoubtedly, some will need to adapt their projects to circumstances which none of us could have foreseen when they first submitted their applications at the beginning of the year. The Harpur Trust will stand by them as they work out the best way the keep Bedford the strong and support community that we are so proud of.
The Kempston Net were successful in their application for £8,061 to continue their NET support group, with twice weekly drop-in sessions. These sessions are based within the Project 229 facility in Kempston and aim to reduce social isolation and improve the wellbeing and mental health of those who attend the sessions. They provide a creative programme of activities and help individuals look towards the future.
The Amicus Trust work with homeless people in the Borough. We gave them a grant of £58,394, which will fund the continuation of a dedicated mental health project supporting homeless adults. This is done through a Mental Health Lead helping the individuals overcome issues including low self-esteem, anger and anxiety management.
We awarded FACEs and Link to Change a grant of £143,805 for their joint project #SEEN. This is a collaborative support service for young people at risk of criminal and sexual exploitation and their families. They offer support to those affected, reduce the risk, raise awareness in the community and look to train those who are likely to come into contact with children affected by sexual exploitation such as teachers and support workers at schools. It is highly likely that the current situation will increase safeguarding risks to vulnerable people, so this service is particularly important at the moment.
HMP Bedford was awarded £30,000 towards their counselling service. This aims to make the prison a less violent place and reduce self-harm for the most complex prisons, so they are putting themselves, fellow inmates and staff in less danger. The service also aims to increase the chance of the individuals living a crime-free life upon release. The additional stress created by the COVID-19 crisis makes initiatives like this even more needed.
A grant of £88,000 over three years will help JustUs, who help people who are homeless or insecurely housed access decent, permanent homes expand to deal with the housing crisis affecting much of the country. The funding they have been offered will increasing staffing hours and pay an administrator.
On a lighter note we have supported the Philharmonia Orchestra for many years and our latest grant for £49,665 will support their Family Concert Programme, Guest List and Young Fellowship Programme. These programmes aim to give families and children with limited access to cultural activities the opportunity to experience and attend their concerts. The Young Fellowship Programme aims to provide music tuition to those who would otherwise not be able to access it. This is an exciting project, and we look forward to hearing more about it when it starts in September!
Not all the grant applications we receive are for large sums of money but even small grants can make a big difference
Bedford Daycare Hospice will receive £5,000 towards the extension and refurbishment of the Patient Day Lounge. This aims to increase the size, accessibility and update this area to allow for more patients to access this area and to improve the quality of time spent there. We look forward to visiting the new lounge.
The current COVID 19 emergency means that Bedford will rely increasingly on a strong voluntary sector and mutual aid initiatives. Some initiatives will not require funding, just common sense and guidance from our colleagues and grantees at Community Voluntary Service Bedfordshire (01234 354366). Others may need grant funding. If you work for a charity or voluntary group which operates in Bedford Borough and you would like to talk to us about projects or services which may require funding for, please do contact our grants team on 01234 369500.