We are one of only six organisations across the North West to be sharing in funding totaling over £2 million, through the Big Lottery Fund’s Reaching Communities programme, which aims to help people and communities most in need.
We will receive a grant of £299,041 to develop our existing Community Cafe project which aims to help homeless and vulnerable adults with severe and complex needs. The Community Cafe project provides opportunities to vulnerable people to improve their physical and mental health along with support and training to increase their motivation, skills and qualifications.
The current support our centre provides will continue with new additional projects coming on stream. These include the addition of a new food growing project, where volunteers and service users will help to prepare, plan, plant and grow a range of fruit and vegetables. Produce will be used in the cafe and at various locations in a ‘Market Stall’ project.
Also a new job club, social activities, cook and eat sessions and an informal education course around drug and alcohol awareness will be set up. Beneficiaries will also be given the opportunity to gain AQA qualifications in a range of subjects.
We’re delighted to have secured this funding. It’s an acknowledgement of the valuable service we provide in the local community. The funding will enable us to develop our facilities and consider new and innovative projects to provide support.
We value the opinions of those involved in our projects, including stakeholders, partners and those who benefit from our support, and take on board their views when considering how to use our resources.
This collaborative approach allows us to take a more holistic approach to the needs of the community. We truly believe that securing this grant along with winning the BIBAs ‘The Most Inspiring Business of the Year’ gives The Foxton Centre and all those involved with it, the recognition they deserve, and we’re very much looking forward to building on our success.