Local Groups Cash in on Community Funding

Residents of Parr have had their say on how local money is spent to benefit the community.
Residents packed into the sports hall at Lansbury Bridge School to vote on which projects should receive funding from the re:new Parr Investment Grant.

Around 150 residents attended the annual voting event where they chatted to bidding groups before presentations got underway. The audience was entertained by a series of lively presentations, including a kickboxing display and breakdancing demonstration.
More than 20 groups presented their projects to the audience who were asked to score each application on how much impact it would have on their community, and 15 groups received support for their scheme.

Among the winning entries were Tiny Tots Toddlers Group, PSS St Helens Young Carers and Friends of Allanson Street, who successfully bid for a portion of the £20,000 fund.
Duncan Nicholas, from re:new Parr, said: "We're really pleased with the high turnout at the investment grant voting day - it is a great example of how people living in Parr can influence the way local money is spent within the community. It also gave people the opportunity to find out about some of the great projects that are taking place locally.
"We'd like to say a big 'thank you' to all the groups who applied for funding, and to the residents who came to vote as they helped to make the event a huge success."
For further information on the Parr Investment Grant scheme, please contact Duncan on 01744 677 442 or email duncan.nicholas@renewsthelens.co.uk

Re:new neighbourhood management project is a joint initiative between St Helens Council and Helena Partnerships. Its aim is to create better places to live across St Helens - and to improve the quality of life for local residents.

The project brings together local services (the police, council, housing associations schools, healthcare providers) and local residents, and runs in four areas Parr (where it was first piloted), Four Acre, parts of Thatto Heath, and Town Centre North & Fingerpost.