Boost for communities across the East Midlands thanks to Mayor’s £3m fund

Credit: Onclusive News

Communities across the East Midlands are set to be strengthened thanks to millions of pounds of new investment with an initiative in Cotmanhay amongst those benefitting.

The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward has announced the first projects to receive support from her £3m Community Development Fund.

Launched last year, the fund supports 10 priority areas across the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) region where communities face high levels of disadvantage and have limited numbers of local community and voluntary groups. Years of reduced funding and support have made it harder for these areas to build and sustain the organisations they need to lead local solutions.

Community-led schemes in key areas have now each been awarded up to £300,000 to support projects designed to build skills, strengthen resilience and help residents shape the future of their own neighbourhoods.

Mayor Claire said: “I’m incredibly proud to announce the first projects supported by my Community Development Fund. This fund is about backing people who know their communities best. By investing in local ideas, local leadership and local ambition, we’re giving communities the tools and confidence to take control of their future. This is long-term investment in people, not short-term fixes.”

The aim of the fund is to support the communities which need it most, through backing community-led solutions to local challenges, strengthening pride in place and supporting safer, healthier and more inclusive neighbourhoods. It aims to help communities build skills and confidence so they can take a stronger role in shaping their future and share in the region’s growth.

Mayor Claire said: “My commitment as Mayor is simple: opportunity should not depend on where you live. This fund is one way we’re making sure every part of the East Midlands has the chance to grow, thrive and shape its own future.”

Two priority areas in Derby will share more than £850,000 whilst two wards in Nottingham will share more than £560,000 from the fund.  Funding has been distributed elsewhere in the two wider counties.

Stronger communication, increased resident participation and expanded volunteering opportunities to help communities meet social and economic challenges is the aim of Future Cotmanhay. Parkside High CIC in Cotmanhay, has secured £224,307 for the scheme, which will also see regular newsletters delivered to every household to keep residents informed, connected and up to date.

Mayor Claire said: “At my engagement events, people told me they wanted to help unlock the East Midlands’ potential. My Community Development Fund is about making sure that potential isn’t capped by postcode – and that every community has the chance to thrive.”