Strong Foundations Grant recipients in Shrewsbury & Telford

Colleagues from our Healthcare sector selected the following organisations located near Shrewsbury and Telford:  

• Donnington Partnership Charitable Trust is a multi-agency and community partnership based in the Borough of Telford and Wrekin. Funding will enable the team at the Donnington Community Centre to deliver the Telford Lunch Club (TLC). The lunch club will be on offer at the community centre daily, offering healthy low-cost nourishing meals in a warm space where each person is welcomed, supported and can connect. The team will also provide a free bus service to collect those who are unable to make it to the centre on foot.  
   
• Shropshire Peer Counselling & Advocacy Service supports adults with a range of needs, physical or hidden disabilities. The funding provided will enable the team to continue to travel to meet people who need support with a number of issues, including housing, mental health support, managing finances and many more. Meeting people in their own home enables more individuals to access the service, therefore breaking down the barriers many currently face. 
   
• Shropshire Youth Support Trust (SYST) is a registered Charity that offers holistic and bespoke support to young people (YP) who are socially and economically excluded by unemployment, and who are not in education or training (NEETS). Money from our grant funding will pay for a Wellbeing Workshop for up to 20 young people. The workshop will help to improve the soft skills needed for education, employment or training.  
   
• Girls Friendly Society (GFS) work with girls in the most deprived areas of England and Wales through services that provide a non-competitive environment. The funding provided will enable the team to reach more girls living in Market Drayton. Their weekly groups work to help girls build their confidence by offering a safe single-gender place where they can learn to be themselves and proud of who they are. 
   
• Designs in Mind is a working studio in Oswestry where adults living with mental health challenges work together on ambitious, experimental art and design projects. Funding will support free weekly art workshops for adults in Shropshire living with mental health challenges. Members are referred to services where they have a creative purpose that can build confidence and self-worth while offering chances to connect with other people.  
   
• Open Harmony is a community-led charitable organisation covering the whole of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. It offers a safe and welcoming space for those who have experienced or who are experiencing mental health difficulties. Bringing together adults (aged 18 to 118) of all abilities and backgrounds through a love of music, the funding we provide will enable the organisation to run tailored weekly music groups that support 50 people over six months through a mix of virtual and in person sessions.  

Congratulations to all the recipients who have been awarded funds up to £3,000 to make a difference in their local community. 

At the end of last year, we invited local charities and community groups to apply for a share of our Strong Foundations Grants in eight locations situated near our projects across the country. Together the 2023 Strong Foundations Grants amount to £145,000.