People tackling poverty funding - Nithsdale
Funding was identified to support projects developed by community groups and local people which tackle poverty. We asked you to vote for the projects you want to see funded in Nithsdale.
Available funding
There was £48,240 available to distribute to community projects across Wigtownshire. Groups looking for funding could get grants of up to £20,000 each.
Identifying projects
We asked local groups, voluntary organisations, private business and individuals (supported by a constituted group) to submit applications in December 2017.
We were looking for projects which will improve the lives of local people suffering the effects of poverty and have the following outcomes:
- Seeking to improvements in the signposting of support and advice
- Reduce the barriers to communication and information sharing
- Create sustainable support and information sharing
- Create opportunities to bridge gaps in provision across geographic areas.
26 proposals for projects in Nithsdale were deemed fit for purpose and went forward to a public vote.
Voting
Voting took place at the The Usual Place on Academy Street in Dumfries on Saturday 24 March where visitors had a chance to review each of the project proposals and cast their vote.
Funding was allocated to the most popular project proposal first, followed by the second most popular and so on until the total funding was allocated.
Votes were counted when the voting closed and the results were:
| Project title | Project description | Funding awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Grow our Own - Community Project | This project will build upon the existing FREE Food Project. We would train volunteers from North West Dumfries to become community advisers to signpost and provide information for the wider community. | £10,000 (full award) |
| First Base Emergency Network | In 2018 the First Base Agency will issue 5000 emergency food parcels across Dumfries and Galloway to people who are facing extreme poverty and hardship. Our parcels can now be collected from a network of over twenty 'pick up points'. Recently we have secured funding to provide emergency sanitary ware. Now we seek funding to cover three more of life's essentials to those in crisis - heat and light, toiletries and cat and dog food. | £16,800 (full award) |
| Digital Connections | Free, fun classes for adults on basic information technology. Learn to use computers, tablets, mobile phones etc and how to use the internet safely. The courses will be arranged by Learners Together, a voluntary group based at the North West Resource Centre in Lincluden, Dumfries. | £16,020 (full award) |
| Lochside is Families Together | Lift is a voluntary organisation based in Lochside Dumfries. We have reached over 200 families in 12 months with events put on by us all FREE. Day trips away and the gala. | £20,000 (full award) |
| Grub Club | To serve the young children and their families in our community with Breakfast OR Lunch in the school holidays. | £20,000 (full award) |
| Equal Futures @ The Usual Place | Equal Futures @ The Usual Place is a bespoke training approach designed to enable young people with additional support needs to gain all the confidence, skills and experience they need to have an equal opportunity in the jobs market. Young people with additional support needs are one of the most impoverished groups in our community and most likely to be unemployed and living in poverty. Participation in Equal Futures can help young people change this , improve their life chances and to take their place as full citizens. | £11,980 (partial award) |
Further information
Email PBMailbox@dumgal.gov.uk or call 030 33 33 3000 to find out more.
