Supporting valuable projects in the community

The final round of a Community Fund set up by Cheshire West and Chester Council company Vivo Care Choices has handed out nearly £11,000 in funding to projects making a big difference to the people they support.

With around £12,000 in funding distributed during the first round of applications earlier this year, it means a number of different community initiatives across west Cheshire have been able to access a pot of more than £23,000 in total, providing a much-needed boost during challenging times.

Vivo delivers a range of flexible and responsive support for adults with learning disabilities and autism and older people, including those with dementia.

Cheshire West Voluntary Action (CWVA) has managed the Fund for Vivo, processing applications and setting up a panel to make sure grants are given to worthy community initiatives. The panel includes both Vivo staff and people using its services.

Eight different community initiatives have been supported during the final round of applications.

• Little Actors – a contribution towards intergenerational art events taking place in Neston during spring 2021.
• Wilderness Tribe CIC – Therapeutic Forest School sessions for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Tiny Steps – a contribution towards opening a sensory centre and social café in Winsford or Northwich for children with SEND.
• MHA – older people befriending and outreach volunteer service, as well as wellbeing packs.
• Passion for Learning – intergenerational project for primary children with older people care homes, including gift sets.
• Spirit of the Herd – ponies helping young people and adults with learning disabilities, as well as building a new shelter.
• People’s Choice – Storyhouse Social Group with 26 people over 12 months.
• Bread Together – funding a session worker to run the bread-making cooperative.

Alistair Jeffs, Managing Director of Vivo, said: “We’ve already seen the real difference our funding has made during the first round of applications and we’re delighted to be supporting eight more community initiatives.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has put significant pressure on community initiatives so we hope our Community Fund has gone a small way to helping them cope.

“Many of the projects we’ve supported can be accessed by people using our services at Vivo.

“Having people using our services on the panel has been very important, making sure we’ve supported the most worthy community initiatives.”

For more information about Vivo Care Choices and its range of different services, visit: vivocarechoices.co.uk.

Pictured - Michael, who uses Vivo Care Choices' services, was part of the panel making decisions on the applications.