Castle Point Social Car Scheme Limited has been awarded £359,518 by the Big Lottery Fund.
The Borough wide charity provides a flexible, affordable community transport scheme for older and / or disabled residents and those who would otherwise be denied transport due to physical or mental illness and or financial hardship.
It aims to improve the mental and physical health of its beneficiaries by supporting their attendance to medical appointments, community and social events and to reduce the stress of getting to important appointments. It will increase access to local services and support clients to be more active, aid independence and reduce the burden on families and carers.
The total number of beneficiaries will be 2,500, including 100 volunteers.
The Big Lottery Fund (BIG) is responsible for delivering 46 per cent of all funds raised for good causes (about 13 pence of every pound spent on a Lottery Ticket) by The National Lottery.
Last year the Big lottery fund revealed that they were receiving comparatively few applications for funding from organisations and charities in Castle Point.
2010 Financial year figures for grant in Castle Point: £22,940 Average grant per constituency in 2010: £367,702.
Rebecca Harris MP has been actively encouraging all worthwhile charities and voluntary organisations in Castle Point to apply for to the Big Lottery Fund for funding and organised a funding event for local groups with the Big Lottery Fund last year.
Rebecca Harris said:
“The Castle Point Social Car Scheme provide a fantastic service to the community and I am very pleased that they have received this grant”
“A lot of people in our Borough give up their time and energy to volunteer for local charities. The Big Lottery Fund still has funds available to support good causes in our area and I would encourage all those charities to contact Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services and find out how they can apply for support.”