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Supporting our Communities
Friends of Muir Group have already awarded grants to a diverse range of projects
and initiatives.
We realise that it is important to contribute towards initiatives that benefit the
wider community. We have focused on projects that deliver a real positive impact
and benefit in particular; young people, older people and communities.
Investing into our communities has proved to be of major benefit in terms of supporting
projects that might otherwise struggle to continue.
Young People - The Dream Scheme
This scheme has proven to be extremely successful and has been adapted at a local
level to fit in with wider issues affecting young people in areas where it has been
launched
To date we have funded three schemes, two in Blackpool and one in Huntingdon.
The Dream Scheme in Blackpool, originally set out to engage the youth of Grange
Park into their community, encouraging young people to think about how they can
improve the lives of others within their community through small initiatives. Young
people earn points and are rewarded by character building activities.
Credit Unions
Credit Unions give access to low cost loans for people who are unable to
access mainstream financial services, and would otherwise turn to high interest
rate schemes. It helps to avoid increasing and spiralling debt for people who may
have turned to less reputable loan companies who operate a daily rate interest basis.
Savings plans are encouraged which help to sustain the financial status for individual
families and prevent debt.
We have injected major funding by giving start up grants to credit unions wishing
to set up within a new area of operation.
Diversity Forums
We have funded a collective set of initiatives that face and contribute
to issues surrounding equality and diversity, demonstrating how we commit to wider
communities within our regions on an ongoing basis.
Projects that address multiple issues within our communities
Forming relationships with partner agencies that regularly engage with the wider
community via the arts, youth schemes and community focus projects.
Arts awareness programmes and cultural diversity projects have been of major benefit
throughout our areas, providing various methods of appreciation and understanding
of the arts and issues facing todays multi cultural society.
Diversity Forums that regularly tackle discrimination and promote awareness of
these issues.
Events such as belly dancing, boxing, Thai cooking, African drumming, Brazilian
salsa and sari demonstrations are designed to bring together different cultures
through a fun environment.
Appreciation of art itself has offered an insight into the wide spectrum of arts
projects and careers available to young people
Creating diversions for young people to become involved in productive challenges
steering them away from crime and anti social behaviour
Bringing awareness of different cultures within our societies, showing the benefits
of integration
Reaching out to rural communities, include those who would not usually benefit
from these experiences.
Staging community events, awareness days to highlight cultural diversity to all.
Friends of Muir Group are keen to support initiatives that address current problems
in relation to race, sex gender, religion and cultural diversity.
Community Centre Activities
Friends of Muir Group realise that the survival of community groups is dependent
on funding. We contribute to worthwhile schemes that provide valuable resources
within our communities, such as play schemes, mother and toddler groups, social
activities for the elderly, youth groups, young peoples activities and community
centre survival costs.
Helping Voluntary Organisations
Friends of Muir Group are committed to providing assistance to voluntary
organisations that provide valuable services for our communities. Volunteer programmes
who try to make small differences, such as visiting the elderly or environmental
litter picking projects; and also national volunteer organisations such as Home
Start who offer support to families in stress, helping to prevent family crisis
and breakdown.
Older People
Friends of Muir Group have supported older people through gardening projects, provision
of computers and training on information technology, and communal projects. In particular
we support social activities that prevent isolation and loneliness, encourage physical
activity and provide an outlet for people who are restricted through physical disability
or lack of family support.
2005
Furniture 4U
We funded start up costs to fund a social enterprise distributing recycled furniture
to people on low cost incomes. This environmental project was developed to repair
and reuse unwanted furniture, provided free or at low cost to people on low incomes.
The project will be help to build confidence for participants. It will become available
for all persons aged 16 and over within the community giving them a step towards
further training or employment opportunities. This project will link into environmental
issues and provide training opportunities at NVQ level.
Diversity Forum Fun day
Muir Group Colleagues and residents in Huntingdon are involved with the Forum, which
regularly tackles discrimination and promotes awareness surrounding these issues.
Diss-disscrimination
This young peoples Festival Committee in Huntingdon planned a summer musical
festival, with work shops to deliver the theme of the day diss-discrimmination
The festival promoted the work of the youth service and other local agencies, and
gave a positive image of cultural diversity, educating people about the negative
effects of discrimination.
Summer Splash
This annual event in Blacon, Chester, provides summer activities to young people
in order to deter them from criminal activity and anti-social behaviour Nine local
organisations including the local authority and police services, are brought together
to emphasise the message of staying safe.
Y Action
Y Action is a volunteer activity programme for young people aged between
11 and 18 years throughout the immediate community of Glebe Green, Winsford in Cheshire.
Young people are actively engaged during the evenings and holiday periods to focus
on projects that benefit the immediate area. The community house on Glebe Green
was donated by Muir Group upon transfer of the estate from Vale Royal Borough Council
is a focal point for these activities. Ongoing activity programmes designed to enhance
communication skills and address current issues such as safety and healthy eating.
The group has been meeting twice a week for 3 years and provide a valuable focal
point for local young people. They provide activities ranging from art sessions,
curricular programmes, local environmental issues such as litter picking and crime/safety
awareness.
Day out to Camelot
Friends of Muir Group funded this trip so that low income families from Grange Park
in Blackpool, would not miss out on the opportunity to have a fun day out together
during the summer holidays. The trip promoted unity within the estate and encouraged
resident participation.Families were able to share a summer experience, make new
friends and develop new links within the community.
Theatre Production
Friends of Muir Group contributed towards the ongoing Ramsay Youth Arts Project,
in Cambridgeshire, which was developed to address diversity and social skills through
theatrical creativity. Young people learned all the aspects of a theatre play from
script writing to production staging their own play called Open your Mind, which
was based on the issues that young people of today face. The play focused on the
theme of discrimination with a positive outcome, influencing local young people
to be tolerant and value other cultures and respect other peoples life styles and
points of view.
Reflective Images
Isolated residents in Skelmersdale, West Lancashire, attended an 8 week therapeutic
course, learning to make decorative stained glass pictures and windows. The course
also focused on interaction by developing social skills, building confidence and
linking into adult training opportunities.
Cinnamon Brow Farm Club Building Preservation
Friends of Muir Group contributed towards costs for renovating the old barn area
of the Cinnamon Brow Farm Club in Warrington, Cheshire, provides a platform for
the whole community, housing parent and toddler groups, a community theatre project,
elderly lunch club, and activities for young people. The club works in partnership
with the local authority and housing organisations and encourages various community
initiatives. The club is undergoing a continuing period of extensive refurbishment,
to bring the building up to a safe and economical standard with disabled access,
that will continue to provide a venue for individual groups and activities.
Community Seating & Barbeque
Friends of Muir Group purchased outdoor equipment for an enclosed grassed community
area accessible only by residents. This residential scheme in Caldicot, Herfordshire
has a unique design in that the communal garden area to the rear is completely enclosed
by housing. This ensures a safe and personal environment for residents, encouraging
community activities and creating community cohesion, especially during the summer
months when residents are more likely to make use of the space.
Mangar Lifting Equipment
Friends of Muir Group and the Stamford Primary Care Trust. In West Lincolnshire,
combined together to purchase essential lifting equipment to care for older or disabled
people who have fallen in their homes and would otherwise need to wait for ambulance
assistance. The lifting equipment works instantly. A flat plastic cushion is inserted
under the fallen person, self inflating and raising him/her from a fallen to standing
position. This reduces anxiety and stress for older or disabled persons waiting
for ambulance assistance by providing a fast response. It is carried by local wardens
and is of benefit to elderly and disabled residents within the Stamford area.
Coaching for Life
This voluntary group provides football coaching and football opportunities for young
people aged 6 to 16 years, giving direction away from anti-social behaviour; installing
self discipline, healthy eating and physical fitness into young people; and providing
a focus to channel energy and enthusiasm. Young people learn life skills that set
the standards for the future to assist with employment prospects.
Young people over the age of 15 are encouraged to qualify as a Class 1 football
coach and in turn coach younger children at the club Friends of Muir Group supplied
essential equipment to enable the club to carry on with their activities
Cleaner Hands
Friends of Muir Group actively supported this MRSA awareness campaign by purchasing
an ultra violet machine that detects and displays bacteria upon the skin, in conjunction
with a specialist soap and powder that fights and prevents infection. The campaign
was administered by the Grange Park Residents Association in Blackpool, who visit
schools and community groups to raise awareness of the infections caused by bacteria
that can easily be spread by unwashed hands, within hospitals, homes and public
places.
Counselling
Friends of Muir Group funded a volunteer counsellor who provides free counselling
to residents at Victoria House - a homeless hostel in Northwich, Cheshire. This
has proved to be of great benefit to residents who can freely talk through their
problems with the assurance of confidence.
As such Victoria House benefits from volunteer workers providing a more personal
tailored approach to personal problems.
Making Changes for the Future
This project actively involves young people by giving them a voice and influence
over future changes within the community of Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. Young people
engage with decision makers on issues such as housing, environment, leisure &
recreation, and education, by mapping a way forward together. Friends of Muir Group
contributed to the public launch that promoted this project by reaching out to a
wide audience of young people
Anti-litter Project
The Grange Park Residents Association in Blackpool, Lancashire is an established
community group that feeds into a network of local forums. The forums act as a voice
for residents and ensure they are involved in local policy making decisions.
The now established Junior Residents Association provides an opportunity for young
people to have an influence in matters that concern them and gives them a structured
process to have their views and opinions heard. Recently young people have campaigned
against environmental issues within the Grange Park area, and in particular, the
litter problem. They organised weekly litter picks, encouraging other young people
to become involved and take pride in their surroundings.
Friends of Muir Group funded a day trip for young people to visit a recycling centre.
Cinema Club
The Fussilier Court Residents Social Club in Bury, Greater Manchester organise
social events throughout the year, regularly consulting other residents about the
activities they would like to participate in. They are also conscious of the wider
issues within the area such as the barriers between elderly and young people and
the lack of understanding about the differing concerns of these age groups.
Friends of Muir Group purchased a television screen and equipment to facilitate
regular to which local young people are invited to view films about the way we were
and the way we are now to create a better understanding of the cultures
and needs of the individual eras and to interact with elderly residents on the
scheme.
Family at Play
Home Start is a national voluntary organisation that provides parent and toddler
groups facilities.
Activities address many of the problems that face young families today, and a free
counselling service is provided for those who need it. Friends of Muir Group funded
towards a paid worker who will provide intensive guidance and encouragement to families
who are unable or unwilling to access appropriate services.
20 families receive individual sessions to encourage understanding and the importance
of play when interacting with their children.
CAB Advocacy Service
This is a continuing initiative to provide a financial service to residents who
are on low incomes, face debt or suffer from financial difficulities at Glebe Green.
Winsford, Cheshire
Friends of Muir Group fund a Citizens Advice Bureau worker to host a weekly surgery
that gives residents the opportunity to seek free debt counselling, benefit and
welfare advice.
Security Fencing Orford Scout Group
This Scout hut in Orford, Warrington, Cheshire is situated in an area of high vandalism
that suffers from wide range of criminal damage.
Friends of Muir Group contributed to funding that provided adequate security fencing
that provides a safe and secure environment where activities can be freely pursued
without fear of harassment or assault, and a stress free environment that allows
scouts to concentrate on scouting and community activities.
Scouting provides an outlet for young people on the estate, it provides character
building activities and works towards the personal development of young people.
Clayton Christmas Lunch
Residents at this semi rural scheme in Lancashire suffer from a lack of regular
transport. Transport routes travel in only one direction to the nearest major town,
making journeys long and arduous. As a consequence residents do not often have the
opportunity to venture further than the local village centre. Friends of Muir Group
funded a day trip and Christmas lunch that strengthened bonds between residents
and created a feeling of well being through social interaction.
Thorplands United Football Club
This established football club in Northamptonshire manages a junior football club
It creates an outlet and training opportunities for young people in the area, with
activites that channel positive behaviour and install discipline Friends of Muir
Group purchased a football strip and equipment for the development of a girls only
football team.
Healthy Eating Sunflower House
Friends of Muir Group supported Home Start in Grange Park, Blackpool, who embarked
upon an initiative to create healthy meals and meal plans for families within the
area. This facility gives families the resources to learn, eat and play together.
Meals are cooked in a communal kitchen by the parents who receive advice and support
regarding nutrition, whilst young children are catered for within the attached creche.
Meals are then served in the canteen where families eat together.
Ballroom Dancing
Friends of Muir Group, funded towards a two year youth theatre project
managed by Cambridgeshire Youth Service. This engages with young people aged 11
to 19 years; building upon social skills, encouraging a listening environment and
participating in teamwork. Young people engage with a variety of arts, including
instruction in ballroom dancing. Part of the programme is to demonstrate their skills
to older residents within the area, developing understanding between generations.
The Buzz
Natural High are a voluntary youth organisation providing challenging activities
to young people aged 11 to 24 in Cambridgeshires rural areas. Young people who
are at risk of exclusion are diverted away from negative behaviour and engaged in
challenging activities that develop skills and help them to move forward in their
lives.
Friends of Muir Group contributed towards the refurbishment of a mobile youth bus
that travels between rural villages to deliver the objectives of Natural High.
Revoe Project
Friends of Muir Group contributed to a youth consulation project in the
St. Helliers area of Blackpool. This was to raise awareness of activities and provision
of services offered from a variety of organisations within the area, by mapping
and identifying all local services within the voluntary and youth sector that are
currently provided, including volunteer opportunities.
Police Community Clubs of Great Britain
Friends of Muir group made donation towards their ongoing anti-bullying campaign
within the Blackpool area
