£500,000 boost to help West of England residents into work and training

Community groups across the region are being encouraged to apply for new funding to help local people gain skills to get good jobs and progress in their careers.

The half a million cash boost from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris, will build on a successful scheme that saw the first 13 community projects launch in early April, helping more than 1,000 talented locals to get the support they need.

Those include training courses to help people with budgeting skills at Bristol’s Empire Fighting Chance and Art and Gardening for Wellbeing at Redcatch Community Garden in Knowle.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “We need as many people as possible in all our communities to be able to realise their potential if the West of England is to continue to thrive and flourish.

“I would encourage community groups, organisations and charities to look at this new opportunity to apply for grants from a £500,000 West of England Combined Authority pot. Let’s make sure that more residents from across our amazing region are able to learn, train and work their way to success.”

For further information on how to apply visit the West of England Combined Authority’s Community Support Fund page