Peoples Millions Lottery Wins
People's Millions is a UK wide programme whose aim is to fund projects that improve the quality of life of local communities through transforming the local environment, or provide opportunities or facilities for enjoying the local area.
In November 2008, 142 pairs of projects went head-to-head across each of the 18 ITV regions. There were 71 winning projects, and 18 bonus awards for the runners-up who scored highest in each region. Maximum grants of £50,000 plus VAT were awarded.
Berkshire had two contestants who put in a bid as a result of seeing the opportunity in the BNLCP Funding Alerts prepared and distributed by Bruce Wright on behalf of BNLCP. They were the Reading Credit Union and Family Action Slough. Family Action used the BNLCP Critical Friend Review Services to read and provide feedback on their application. Both won in their head-to-head presentation.
Reading Credit Union was awarded £52,138 to develop a shop front presence in Reading, allowing them to extend their reach and make their services more available by moving into premises with a visible shop front. Family Action Slough was awarded £49,050 for their Gardening Project. The project will transform an unused playing field by planting trees and shrubs to create a wildlife area developing allotments for local people. There are also plans for a crèche facility to be built and the redevelopment of an existing play area. Nearly 15,000 local people are expected to use the area.
For more details of membership of BNLCP and accessing the BNLCP Funding Alerts and bid writing support services contact Brian Jones at brian.jones@berksnlc.org.uk.
The role of community learning in delivering the Berkshire Economic Strategy
The Group was formed from membership of the Thames Valley Regeneration and Inclusion Group and the Berkshire Community Learning Network, which included a representation from the six Berkshire Unitary Authorities, with the purpose of articulating how the employment and skills outcomes of community and neighbourhood learning fit with new strategic and delivery arrangements. Over the past few months it has begun to outline a shared agenda and identify activities that would deliver strategic priorities.
