Funding boost as groups count down to mayoral weekend events

The groups, who are based across the Black Country, have been celebrating being awarded more than £41,000 of National Lottery funding to host community-led activities as part of the first West Midlands Mayor’s Community Weekend since the pandemic.

Taking place on September 9 and 10, the weekend returns thanks to a partnership between Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK.

Events taking place across the Black Country include a community litter pick organised by The Leisurely Pedal CIO in Sandwell on September 9, which will be followed by a learn-to-ride session for children and adults, before leading a ride to Sandwell Valley Park and around the RSPB centre and returning to the community centre for refreshments.

Over the weekend Black Country Radio will be launching a new community hub at Merry Hill shopping centre, which will give them a more visible base to better engage and connect with the community.

Meanwhile, the Jubilee Park Community Centre in Tipton will host a Come Dine with Neighbours event, where teams will go head-to-head to create a healthy, tasty meal on a budget for the local community to judge and enjoy together.

Groups across the West Midlands have been awarded more than £170,000 of National Lottery funding to host 100 community-led activities over the weekend.

Events will encourage people to engage with their communities, bring different groups together to strengthen connections, and build new relationships.

The events will see people from all backgrounds connecting with each other and with their environment, highlighting what voluntary action can achieve in the community.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “We know just what a remarkable source of strength our region's diverse communities continue to be.

"That’s why I’m so pleased that, after a Covid-induced hiatus, the Mayor’s Community Weekend is back.

"Coming up this Saturday and Sunday, in conjunction with The National Lottery Community Fund, we've provided grassroots grants ranging from £500 to £2,000 to all areas of the West Midlands.

"This will be a wonderful opportunity for local people to come together, celebrating community spirit at its very best. I cannot wait to see it all in action.”

Nicola Thurbon, Head of Regional Funding for the Midlands at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players we are connecting communities across the West Midlands for this exciting weekend of events which are designed, led by and open to local people.

"The groups we have awarded funding to and the large number of excellent applications we received are testament to the creativity and commitment of diverse communities in the West Midlands.

"We hope everyone has a great Mayor’s Community Weekend.”

John Mothersole, England chair for The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re delighted to announce these events, made possible by National Lottery players and the support of the Mayor of the West Midlands.

"I’d like to thank every single community group that took the time to apply for grants.

“Our new strategy commits us to turbo charging our support for grassroots projects like these, while tackling the big social issues facing communities today.

"Across two days of innovative, community-led events and activities, we’re bringing people together to celebrate being part of their community and make something amazing happen on their doorstep.”

To find out more about the Mayor’s Community Weekend and the events taking place across the West Midlands, go to wmca.org.uk/the-mayor/mayor-s-community-weekend