Local Groups receive grants

From the North Lichfield Initiative, that received £3,000 to help unemployed people get back in to work, through to Lichfield District and Burntwood Live At Home schemes, that received £20,000 to help older people live independent and fulfilled lives, in all 11 groups were awarded grants between £2,500 and £20,000.

Councillor Mike Wilcox, Leader of Lichfield District Council and Chairman of Lichfield District Board, was on hand to present the cheques. He said: “The groups were chosen because their activities and services help to strengthen our communities and make them safer places to live.

“This reception was a good opportunity to meet the many groups that will benefit from the grants and to celebrate their achievements.”

Lichfield District Strategic Partnership includes Lichfield District Council, Staffordshire County Council, the police, fire and rescue service, the probation service and representatives for the voluntary sector, education, health, housing and local businesses.

Grants were awarded to:

St John's Community Church in Burntwood received a grant of £2,500 to improve and promote its community drop-in service for carers and older people.

Age UK South Staffordshire received a grant of £4,000 to promote its senior citizen walking programme.

North Lichfield Initiative received a grant of £3,000 to support Jigsaw Work Club.

Home-Start Tamworth received a grant of £20,000 for a two-year project to support struggling families in Fazeley with young children.

Home-Start Lichfield & District received a grant of £8,000 to support struggling families with young children in the home and through group support.

Cruse Bereavement Care received a grant of £3,000 to help bereaved children and young people.

Cherry Orchard Garden Services in Burntwood received a grant of £20,000 towards teaching people with learning difficulties how to start gardening, so they can work as gardeners.

The Pathway Project received £12,000 towards setting up a new Family Justice Centre to support victims of domestic violence and £22,000 towards a family support worker who will help build relationships between mothers who have suffered domestic abuse and their children.

Lichfield District and Burntwood Live At Home schemes received £20,000 to help older people live independent and fulfilled lives.

South East Staffordshire Citizens Advice Bureau received a grant of £20,000 to support clients in Lichfield District who need help with welfare and benefits advice.

Lichfield and District Community & Voluntary Sector Support received a grant of £19,000 to develop and promote volunteering across the district, and to provide training for voluntary and community groups.