£500,000 funding pot for coalfield communities

COMMUNITY organisations working in Yorkshire's coalfield areas can bid for part of a £500,000 funding pot aimed at improving job opportunities, skills and health and wellbeing.
Re-Read, based in Doncaster, secured £9,626 from the Coalfield Community Investment Programme, which was used to pay for a part-time project co-ordinator. Picture: Graeme OxbyRe-Read, based in Doncaster, secured £9,626 from the Coalfield Community Investment Programme, which was used to pay for a part-time project co-ordinator. Picture: Graeme Oxby
Re-Read, based in Doncaster, secured £9,626 from the Coalfield Community Investment Programme, which was used to pay for a part-time project co-ordinator. Picture: Graeme Oxby

Since 1999, the Coalfields Regeneration Trust has helped more than 1.3m living in former coalfield communities improve their skills and qualifications. In addition, 25,342 people have been supported into work, 5,375 jobs have been created or safeguarded, and 225,452 people have participated in activities that have improved health.

It has launched a half a million pound fund to provide grants of up to £10,000 for projects working with people living within coalfield communities - which make up around 1.2m people in Yorkshire.

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Andy Lock, Head of Operations (England) for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, said: “We know that coalfield communities need further resource in order to support community groups and initiatives that have an impact locally. The Coalfields Community Investment Programme can support these organisations and give them the assistance they need to continue to deliver the essential services they offer.”

One organisation to benefit from funding from the Coalfield Trust’s Community Grant programme is Re-Read in Doncaster, which was established to encourage people to read and build on their literary skills.

It received £9,626 to pay for a project co-ordinator to enable it to extend its service to more young people and families in the borough.

The organisation relies on donated books which are then used by people who need them. Young people who need extra help with their reading are given support.

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Jim McLauglin, from Re-Read, said: “Reading can have a profound effect on the lives of individuals and families; it is a way to escape and to let your imagination run free. We find that through reading people are able to build their confidence and often develop new friendships with others who come to read.”

For further details about the Coalfields Community Investment programme visit www.coalfields-regen.co.uk.