Services in Wythenshawe boosted by £464,813 in new grant funding
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG) has been awarded grants that will see £464,813 of new funding coming into the business over the next three years, from the National Lottery, Manchester City Council and the Big Life Group.
WCHG manages 14,000 properties and provides homes for more than 29,000 local people. Victoria McDowell, WCHG’s Head of Community and Neighbourhood Development, said: “WCHG isn’t just Manchester’s largest provider of social housing, we’re also its most ambitious.
“We aim to have a business head and a social heart, so despite the cost of doing business rising across the board we’re committed to continuing to provide high quality, value for money services for all our customers. And it’s no exaggeration to say that the services we provide often make a huge, positive difference in local people’s lives.”
“A lot of these services are delivered through our community centres, which are vital community hubs that play an important part in bringing people together from all parts of the community, to socialise and stay healthy, as well as providing support, advice and educational opportunities for local people.
“That’s why this is such great news, and we’re really grateful to the National Lottery, Manchester City Council and the Big Life Group for awarding us these grants, helping us to continue to provide vital services for the people of Wythenshawe.”
The new funding includes:
- A Be Well grant of £74,088 awarded from Big Life Group to continue social prescribing work in the area for 12 months.
- Benchill Community Centre has been awarded £208,731 over three years by the National Lottery Fund – AND – £175,994 over two years from Manchester City Councils Supporting Communities Fund, to support operations and projects at the centre.
- A Manchester City Council Work and Skills Grant of £6,000 Work to run a Job Club for local people.
Services provided by WCHG last year included:
- Benefits and grants gained for customers £1,479,531
- Customers successfully helped into employment 124
- Customers supported towards work 497
- IT support classes for residents saw 220 people receiving help through 4,501 separate interactions
