Stratford-on-Avon District Council Celebrates £1.5 Million in Grant Funding Secured for Voluntary and Community Groups

Stratford-on-Avon District Councillors, officers and local voluntary and community groups gathered for a celebratory photo to mark a significant achievement for the Development Officer support funded by the District Council. Voluntary and community groups in the District have successfully secured a combined £1.5 million in grant funding to further social inclusion priorities across the District.

This milestone, achieved through dedicated support from Warwickshire and Solihull Community and Voluntary Action (CAVA), who thanks to funding from Stratford District Council underscores the District's commitment to fostering vibrant, inclusive communities.

Since the initiative began in 2020, over 70 voluntary and community groups have been supported in their efforts to access vital funding. Among the attendees at the celebratory event were representatives from some key organisations supported, Stour Health and Wellbeing Partnership, Escape Arts, WRAP and Bishopton Community Centre. Their collective efforts reflect the strength and resilience of the District's voluntary sector, which plays an essential role in enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

The funding secured aligns with the objectives of the Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP), a flagship programme led by the District Council. The SIP's mission is to address pressing social challenges, promote equality of opportunity, and ensure no one in the District is left behind.

Cllr Liz Coles, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Customer Services at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, expressed the Council's gratitude for the collective efforts that made this achievement possible: "This is a tremendous milestone for our District. It's about more than just the money - it's about the lives transformed, the communities strengthened, and the opportunities created. By working together with WCAVA and our incredible voluntary and community groups, we're making social inclusion not just a priority, but a reality."

CAVA has played an instrumental role in supporting groups through the often complex process of identifying and applying for funding opportunities. From offering tailored advice to facilitating workshops and providing technical assistance, CAVA has empowered groups to present compelling cases for funding aligned with their missions.

Tracy Southam-Area Manager for CAVA said: "There is a highly committed and vibrant voluntary sector across Stratford District, many of these services however are managed and delivered through volunteers meaning capacity can be a key issue.  The funding provided through the District Council enables much needed focused support and development to VCSE groups across the District, supporting them to not only access funding for initiatives but also be better equipped for their future sustainability and increasing their skills to apply for funding.

"Our Development Officers works across the District to support the alignment of services and initiatives to ensure those at the heart of communities continue to receive vital support from the voluntary sector. We are very pleased to be able to deliver this work collaboratively with SDC and the VCSE."

The event spotlighted the tangible impacts that grant funding has had across Stratford District, with representatives from organisations sharing their success stories.

Here are just a few examples:

• Stour Health and Wellbeing Partnership: This group has been at the forefront of tackling health inequalities, using their grant funding to deliver targeted interventions that address mental health and physical wellbeing in the Stour area
  
  
• Escape Arts: Known for its innovative approach to community engagement, Escape Arts has used its funding to expand arts-based programmes designed to combat isolation and build resilience among vulnerable residents, including older adults and young people.
  
  
• Bishopton Community Centre: A hub for local activities and resources, the Centre has channelled grant funding into expanding its services, from hosting its first Warm Hub to transforming its barren outdoor space.
  
  
• WRAP: Have been in existence for 25 years and have been at the forefront of supporting people with dementia and their carers.

These organisations are just a snapshot of the broader impact, demonstrating the extraordinary ways that funding can fuel transformative change at the grassroots level.

Attendees of the celebratory event emphasised the importance of ongoing collaboration, innovation, and commitment to tackling social challenges head-on.