THE Stockport Local programme of support for communities continues to back projects across the borough.
In the latest round of the Stockport Local Fund, six awards of under £500 were made last month and a decision on the applications for over £500 will be made shortly.
Groups receiving awards this time include a weekly drop in for older people to meet and socialise, projects to combat loneliness and mental health issues in older men, personal safety workshops for women and an arts activity group that supports residents with long-term physical or mental health conditions.
Liz Luddington from Cale Green WI said of its cash support from the fund: “This award is a fantastic opportunity.
“It means we can offer personal safety workshops for women and young people, helping them to identify potential threats, from street sense to cyber bullying, and giving them the confidence to respond appropriately."
Anthony Williams from Stockport Music in Sheds said: “We’ve found that music is a great way to help men who are lonely or who have mental health issues, but there are many technical and logistical challenges to set up something like this.
“The funding will buy us a PA system, and pay for a facilitator who can pull together people who have never played in a band before and help to develop the full potential of this group.”
Elise Wilson, Stockport Council cabinet member for Reform and Governance, said: “Making our communities more sustainable is essential if we are to meet the challenges of growing customer demand and tighter budgets.
“Our Stockport Local strategy is helping to realise the potential of the wonderful individuals and groups in Stockport and to support them to care for each other and strengthen communities.
"Stockport Local Fund continues to back innovative people-centred ideas and grow the community groups network.
“Our Stockport Local online directory shows people where to find the groups and services in their local community. We are creating digital access to community spaces where groups can meet, organise and hold events. And we are brokering new partnerships between businesses and the voluntary, community and charitable sector.”
In the first of a series of 'Sector Connector' events last month, the council brought together 60 businesses and organisations from across the voluntary, community and charitable sectors (VCSEs) to discover how new partnerships could benefit both, help to improve lives and tackle disadvantage.