Local Groups Share £315k of Grants from Whitby Mine Fund

Thursday, 8 December 2022 06:00

By Matthew Pells

Woodsmith Foundation invests over £315,000 to support over 65s in local communities

The Woodsmith Foundation has awarded grants totalling over £315,000 to fund initiatives aimed at supporting those aged 65 and over in the local area.

Eight organisations will benefit from funding the Foundation, which is funded by Anglo American, to help them deliver a range of programmes that will help senior citizens from Teesside to Scarborough.

Carers Plus Yorkshire have received £53,196 to support people over 65 with poor mental health with one-to-one support whilst creating new inclusive social activities.

Elizabeth McPherson CEO, Carers Plus Yorkshire, said:

“We are delighted to be working with, and supporting residents over 65, who would like to build and maintain their positive mental health.

“The combination of skills between ourselves and Mind will bring a new and strong partnership to the communities we are seeking to serve; over time we hope to capture learning and create a great blueprint to share with other communities and partners.”

Woodsmith Foundation Chief Executive Leah Swain said:

“We believe people over the age of 65 are a positive asset in our society, but some people might need a helping hand to ensure they can live independently for longer, stay healthy, keep connected to friends, family and their community and enjoy life.

“We are delighted to be able to award funding to a wide range of organisations delivering much needed support to local people including financial advice, help in the home, support for long term health conditions, and opportunities to get out and about and make new friends.”

The Woodsmith Foundation was set up to bring wider community benefits in addition to the positive economic impact of the mine. It has supported projects in Redcar and Cleveland Borough, Scarborough Borough and the North York Moors National Park to the tune of over £1.5million since 2017.

Anglo American pledged a four-year, £4m funding package when it acquired the Woodsmith Project in March 2020.