£2 million for community organisations

211 grassroots organisations have been awarded a share of over £2 million in government funding.

The recipients of the Common Ground Award were selected for their work breaking down barriers and creating the opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect, build trust and find common ground.

The investment will help organisations reach more members of their community, improve facilities and launch new initiatives to provide even more opportunities for people to come together.

The funding will be spent on a range of initiatives including upgrading welcoming civic spaces and community hubs, purchasing accessible minibuses and creating year-round venues for cooking, cycling, gardening and sport. 

Minister for Communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh, said: "I’ve seen first-hand the extraordinary work being done up and down the country to bring people together - creating spaces where new friendships form and communities grow stronger.

"This funding backs those organisations to keep doing what they do best: building the bridges that help people find their common ground, forge new bonds, and make their communities more resilient as a result."

Accrington Stanley Football in the Community Trust currently reaches over 20,000 people a year through inclusive football, disability sport and mental health programmes. Funding will provide an accessible community minibus to help even more people take part.

Maxtrax, Openshaw, Manchester provides cycling, bike recycling and multicultural festivals to 1,200 residents each year. Funding will transform their community hub into a year-round space, helping to double participation.