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Council focuses on the big issues with latest funding round

The Council recently approved over $300,000 in grants to 59 organisations and community groups with a strong focus on culture, the environment, sustainability and addressing some of the big issues concerning Wellingtonians – homelessness, street begging, and social isolation.

In 2018-19, projects delivering meaningful activities with a positive impact for vulnerable individuals and the community are a priority for the Social and Recreation fund, which is reflected by a number of the recipients, says Social Development Portfolio Lead Councillor Brian Dawson.

“Additional funding of $100,000 p/a included in the 2018-28 Long Term Plan will really make a difference. But we need a strong collaborative and coordinated approach within the city for these projects to produce outcomes providing constructive options for those who are on the street.

“Some of the funding recipients can provide opportunities for our homeless and street community to get engaged with different interests and activities, and to better access services through better pathways.”

Key projects funded for projects that helped people access meaningful activities include:
• DCM ($27,500) will run a range of activity programmes at Te Hāpai which is open every weekday, providing life skills, computer access and training for their clients
• Yoga Rhapsody ($3,600) will run activities and sessions, including haircuts at the Soup Kitchen to help raise the self-esteem of guests and connect them to services
• Regenerate Magazine ($16,550) offers opportunities to people who are homeless and this will provide training and team building for their street vendors

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The Grants Subcommittee also committed increased support to Youthline ($30,000) who through their trained volunteers and programmes in schools and communities are seeing increased demand for their services for young people around mental health and wellbeing.

Other projects included the Collaborate platform ($8,000) which targets millennials and older people with volunteering opportunities, the new Menzshed in Tawa ($2,300) and the local marching band Tawa Leisure Marchers ($1,000).

Grants Subcommittee Chair Councillor Sarah Free says these recipients will combine well with existing services and programmes supported by Council like Vincent’s Art Workshop and Pablos.

“Looking ahead, we will be sharpening our focus with further funding available to fill the gaps for projects and programmes which will help get people into positive activity.

“The April 2019 funding round will focus on themes highlighted at Council’s recent Social Forum and Youth Summit – including youth homelessness, mental health, loneliness and social isolation, and the need for targeted services and support.”

The Arts and Culture, Natural Environment Fund, and Waste Minimisation Seed Fund were also allocated funds at the Grants subcommittee on December 5 2018 – see below for full list of recipients.

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