THE COMMUNITY will benefit from more than £170,000 worth of grants awarded by Stratford Town Trust in its final round of 2016.
The largest grant of £27,205 went to the Domestic Abuse Counselling Service (DACS) to support its work in Stratford.
DACS chief executive Kate Farmer said: “We provide specialist domestic violence counselling services and work from a preventative perspective to reduce risk of repeat victimisation. Support from the trust means we can continue to see victims of domestic abuse who need our help in Stratford.”
The second largest grant of £20,000 went to The Myton Hospices.
Myton officer Caroline Green said: “Each year we need to raise over £8.4million in voluntary income to continue caring for our patients and their loved ones. Stratford Town Trust’s very generous contribution will help us continue making a difference in the local community, particularly for those from Stratford who benefit from our specialist care.”
Stratford Music Centre – which has just moved to Stratford upon Avon School – received £15,659 to support its running costs, a hardship fund for students, and a summer school. The Citizens Advice Bureau received £10,000 to be distributed through the Town Trust’s Hardship Fund, which provides small, one-off grants for such things as bedding, furniture, clothing, heating or appliances for those in need.
Stratford Literary Festival received £8,342 to support Books with Friends – a social group for over 55s, reaching out to those who feel lonely or isolated.
Other grants included £8,000 for new boats at Stratford Boat Club, £5,100 to support The Air Ambulance Service, £3,000 for the Tiddington Players, to fund sound equipment, and £7,100 to Entrust Care Partnership, to support inclusive dance sessions.
Grants manager Claire Bowry said: “Congratulations to all of the successful applicants receiving funding in our final main grants round of the year.
“We are proud to support each and every cause, all very different but each making such a valuable contribution to our community.” Grants are awarded three times a year.
Visit www.stratfordtowntrust.co.uk for details on applying for grants.
* STRATFORD Town Trust holds a members’ surgery on Thursday November 24.
Surgeries are now being held on a monthly basis – giving members an opportunity to chat one-to- one with trustees, sharing their views, providing input and raising any concerns.
The surgery takes place at Stratford ArtsHouse between 6pm and 7pm.
