£2.8m boost for community projects

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North Somerset Council has successfully secured over £2.8m funding to support community initiatives to boost employment and enhance the skills of local people.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has announced that 477 projects across the country will benefit from the UK Community Renewal Fund (UKCRF).

The successful bids, which will benefit from a share of £200m, will pilot programmes and new approaches which will invest in skills, local business and help people into employment.

North Somerset has received funding for four initiatives.

North Somerset Works Together will receive over £585,000. The council will work in partnership with Weston College, Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) and Curo to provide a new tailored offer to residents needing support, matching job vacancies with jobseekers in the most deprived communities. 

Enabling Thriving Places in North Somerset has been awarded over £672,000. Working with Bristol City Council, this placemaking research project will create projects and spaces to bring people together, build social fabric, boost recovery/resilience and create places where people want to work, visit or live.

Supporting Business in North Somerset will receive £878,000. This partnership project with the North Somerset Enterprise Agency, the Food and Drink Forum and Weston College will provide targeted business skills support for companies and individuals. It will also provide a new business station in central Weston.

North Somerset Community Hubs will get nearly £700,000. The council will work with the North Somerset Black and Minority Ethnic Forum, VANS, town and parish councils, The Stable, West of England Rural Network, Avon Local Councils Association and Culture Weston to establish a network of community hubs as focal points for delivering community services.

Cllr Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council's executive member with responsibility for placemaking and economy, said the funding was great news. 

"These four initiatives will sit at the heart of our community and provide a boost to the local economy and the job market," he said. "Their tailored innovative approach will help breathe new life into the North Somerset economy and stimulate further growth in the area."