- £29,000 allocated to 38 local organisations across Tamworth for community projects.
- Organisations supported include Tamworth Scouts, Changes Tamworth, Betterway Recovery, and many others that support young people, emotional health and well-being, food security, and more.
- Positive outcomes have been achieved in areas like community cohesion, mental health, youth development, and support for vulnerable residents.
A total of 38 local community and voluntary groups have benefited from a Tamworth Borough Council councillor grant, since the scheme launched in 2024.
Each ward councillor can award a minimum of £250 to £1,000 each year for the benefit of community and voluntary groups. The grants allow councillors to work with community groups all year-round to address community challenges, environmental issues, isolation and much more.
Over the last year, the scheme has helped provide vital funding to local groups and organisations that serve and enrich Tamworth’s communities. By funding initiatives that align with the council’s priorities, this scheme has played a key role in enhancing the quality of life for Tamworth residents.
38 local organisations across the borough have benefitted from grant support, including:
- 3rd Wilnecote Scouts: Supporting youth engagement and outdoor activities.
- Tamworth Foodbank: Providing essential food supplies to vulnerable individuals.
- Better Way Recovery: Offering mental health and addiction support services.
- Community Together CIC: Strengthening social inclusion initiatives.
- Tamworth Rugby Club: Enhancing sporting opportunities for residents.
- New Urban Era CIC: Promoting creative and cultural engagement across the community.
The funding has helped these organisations make a real difference by building stronger communities and improving local facilities.
Among the standout success stories, Tamworth District Scouts used their £900 grant to purchase junior manikins for their Emergency First Aid and CPR training programmes. These manikins have already helped train more than 30 individuals, with the number expected to rise significantly in the coming year.
Tamworth District Scouts leader said: “I always felt a responsibility to ensure the safety of my scouts, but I was never confident in my first aid skills. The training sessions with the manikins have been a game changer for me.
“Practising CPR and other techniques on the manikins have given me the confidence to act swiftly and correctly in an emergency. I now feel prepared to handle any situation that might arise in my scout meetings, which gives me peace of mind and reassures the parents of my scouts.”
Changes Tamworth, which received £1,500 to support its mental health and wellbeing services, also shared powerful feedback about the impact of the grant. The organisation has provided much-needed workshops and peer support services to those in distress.
One particularly moving story highlights a member who faced the devastating loss of their son, alongside a partner’s severe illness. The ongoing support from Changes Tamworth was described as a lifeline for the member, who stated that they ‘would not be here’ without the services provided.
Yvonne Street from Changes Tamworth said: “The shock for the member was devastating. This member has continued to use the service we provide. Without Changes Tamworth, they stated they would not be here as life was so difficult.”
Betterway Recovery, which received £500 to support a group outing, has also seen a tremendous impact from the grant. The funding helped organise a fun day out for service users, many of whom brought their children along. The fund event offered individuals in recovery a rare chance to spend quality time with their families.
Pete Griffiths from Betterway Recovery, said: “We took a group bowling. There was laughter, connection, and a real sense of community. For many, the opportunity to go bowling with their children was a rare treat, something they simply couldn’t afford otherwise.
“At Betterway, we focus heavily on recovery and building connections, but it’s equally important that these relationships continue to grow outside our sessions. Activities like this help foster a strong, resilient support network, which is vital for sustained recovery and wellbeing."
He added: “A simple celebration or a group activity illustrates what Betterway is all about - giving people a place to belong, a community that cheers them on, and experiences that prove a life beyond addiction is not only possible, but also worth celebrating. Moments like this turn recovery into resilience and change into lasting hope.”
Councillor Sarah Daniels, portfolio holder for co-operative council, community partnerships and antisocial behaviour, expressed her delight at the success of this year's grants, commenting:
“We’re absolutely delighted with the impact these grant-funded projects have had on our communities. The councillor community grants scheme has proven to be a vital resource in supporting a range of local initiatives, empowering groups to make a real difference in the lives of residents.
“It’s fantastic to see the positive outcomes and hear the stories of how this money improves lives, with work ranging from youth development and mental health support, to enhancing community cohesion. I’m particularly pleased to see so many organisations working together to strengthen our Tamworth communities and provide vital services that make a real difference.
“These projects are a true testament to the power of our community, and we’re committed to deliver this grant scheme to serve as a key resource, helping local organisations deliver essential services and community-building initiatives for years to come.”
For more information about the councillor community grants scheme or to learn how to apply for future funding, please visit: www.tamworth.gov.uk/grants