SHIFT IN INNOVATION FUND PRIORITIES

If you want to make a bid to the £48,000 Innovation Fund in Lozells and East Handsworth Ward you need to do it by 14th February, and be mindful of a shift in priorities which took place at the Ward Meeting on 17th January. Whereas the previous meeting had seemed to put ‘clean streets’ ahead of all other issues, this one decided that others were more fundamental: addressing issues for vulnerable adults and children, action to develop jobs and skills, and training voluntary groups to bid for funding. This doesn’t mean that clean streets, road safety, open spaces and youth projects have disappeared – rather that there is an emphasis on these topics combining in imaginative ways with the top 3 priorities identified.

To make a bid click on the link below, and note particularly the Core Criteria, Good Practice Examples, and the Proposal Form on which to make your bid for funding (if you have any queries contact Lesley Bannister on 0121 464 4194):

https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20057/about_birmingham/1044/local_innovation_fund

So far 4 proposals have been made: to create a community garden in the Thornhill Road corner of Handsworth Park, to further develop the community garden in Crick Lane, to improve the road safety awareness of local children and families, and to provide transport to support services for people with difficulties such as substance misuse.