READING Borough Council has released new funding for supporting some of the town’s most marginalised communities.
Following the doubling of the council’s small grants fund to £200,000, next year will see a number of projects and organisations given funding boosts.
The council has given £105,000 of funding with a particular focus on breaking down barriers of prejudice, discrimination, language, and culture.
Nearly 70 bids were considered, but 24 projects will share the funding pot over the next year.
Children with disabilities and sensory needs will see support from Berkshire Deaf Children’s Society, which has received funding to provide British Sign Language Interpreters for its events during the year.
Assisting Berkshire Children (ABC) to Read has received funding to train and support 10 new one-on-one mentors for literacy and confidence tutoring.
The Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality has been given support for its Reading Windrush Festival in partnership with Reading Caribbeans Association Group, Age Concern UK, and Reading Museum.
AutAngel CIC and Dingley’s Promise have both received funding to continue their support of those with Autism and under-fives with special educational needs respectively.
Funding will also go to Berkshire Vision, Berkshire Cancer Rehab, Food4Families, Home-Start Reading, Reading Islamic Cultural Centre, Reading Samaritans, and the Weller Centre.
Councillor Jason Brock, Reading Council Leader, said: “Reading’s unique blend of diverse communities is something to celebrate, but we also know those same communities face diverse challenges.
“Offering financial support for local groups to put on activities is one way the Council can ensure nobody is left behind, and of breaking down barriers.
“The variety of activities and support offered, both in the last year and in the year ahead, is amazing to see– they open up new doors and opportunities in people’s lives which would not otherwise have been possible.”
Councillor Liz Terry, Lead for Corporate Services and Resources, added: “Once again, grassroots community groups have come to the fore to provide an incredible range of activities to support residents who, for a range of reasons, may feel isolated or marginalised.
“It is hugely gratifying to read through the list of activities which will be delivered and appreciate the real difference this will make to people’s lives in the year ahead.”
The small grants fund is part of a pot of £1.375 million for voluntary sector organisations in the council’s budget proposals.
