Freshly launched initiative aims to bolster grassroots communities

A brand new initiative has been introduced by Wigan Council to provide much-needed assistance to local grassroots projects and organizations. Known as the ‘Supporting Communities’ fund, this scheme aims to enhance community wellbeing by tackling loneliness and promoting community unity. With grants of up to £1,000 on offer, this fund will enable the already thriving voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sector in the borough to further flourish. Councillor Chris Ready, who oversees communities, expressed his pride in supporting these vital community groups through the Community Recovery Fund, which has already distributed over £305,000 to 380 projects since 2021. He acknowledged the crucial role played by voluntary sector organizations in responding to the needs of vulnerable residents during the crisis and emphasized the importance of their continued operation amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. All community organizations based in Wigan Borough that promote unity, engage volunteers, and require financial support to expand existing projects are encouraged to apply. This fund represents an evolution of the Community Recovery Fund, which was initially launched in direct response to the Covid-19 pandemic and witnessed communities rallying together to assist the borough. Coun Ready expressed his delight at the opportunity to continue supporting community groups through this new fund and urged all eligible organizations to get in touch and submit their proposals. For further information, please visit the Supporting Communities Fund webpage.