Press release - 4 June 2018 16:33

Community groups win funding thanks to your vote

Six community groups are the latest to win thousands of pounds of funding thanks to backing from the public.

They were successful at the latest Pitch event, where they presented their case to residents who then voted for which projects to support.

Pitch events are held in all six townships across the borough, and the first took place at the weekend for groups in Whitefield and Unsworth. Five more meetings are coming up – see dates below.

The six Whitefield/Unsworth organisations, and their projects, are as follows:

Bury Veterans Association: When the parade has ended. This is to support local veterans, especially those suffering from PTSD. The funding will help to organise trips and encourage veterans to become involved, share their stories and experiences and avoid becoming depressed or isolated.
Friends of Springwater Park: Love Springwater Park. This voluntary group formed in late 2017 and helps to restore and improve the park. The funding will pay for tools and equipment, promotional material and the cost of holding local events.

Bury People First: Safe and Healthy Lifestyles. The money will run workshops at the Elms Centre to support disabled people and equip them to make informed decisions about their lives while becoming more involved in the community. It will focus on healthy lifestyles, first aid, mindfulness, hate/mate crime, bereavement and mental health.
Hollins Conservation Group: Go Wild. This will pay for an educational fun day to introduce children and adults to their local environment and wildlife, and get up close to animals, birds and reptiles.
Victoria Community and Youth Centre: Victoria Community Allotments. The group will buy a poly tunnel to enable quicker growth of crops. These tunnels are cheaper than greenhouses but absorb the sun and protect plants from bad weather.

Pilkington Park Community Action Group: Pilkington Park Poop Patrol. To raise awareness of dog fouling and the importance of responsible dog ownership. Funding will help the campaign and provide bins and bags for residents to use on patrols, particularly around parks and schools.

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for communities, said: “A huge ‘well done’ to everyone who succeeded in their bid for funding. There are hundreds of groups across Bury who do tremendous work in their neighbourhoods, and presenting their bid for funding to their fellow residents is an invaluable way to showcase their work and encourage more people to get involved.

“I urge residents across the borough to go their local Pitch event and play their part in improving their community.”

Five more Pitch events across the borough are coming up – why not go along and cast your vote? NB: Please be there in good time – there will be no admission after the pitching starts.