'Game-changer' funding's helped 800,000 people

A BIRMINGHAM charity says “game-changer” funding has enabled it to help more than 10,000 young people and families.

- GURDIP THANDI Local Democracy Reporter

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has released figures which show more than 800,000 people across the region have benefited from more than 400 community-led projects which have shared £13 million from the Inclusive Communities Fund and the Community Environment Fund.

The money has been used to host hundreds of events, provide thousands of hours of free activities and improve health and wellbeing.

In addition, local facilities such as community centres, sports pitches and performing arts centres have also been upgraded and modernised, while nature sites have also been created or enhanced.

The grants of between £500 and £300,000 have helped create hundreds of jobs and train thousands of people, giving them new skills to get a job or take on a volunteering role.