Community fund consultation announced
We are calling for everyone living with a learning disability or autism in Somerset, and those that support them, to help shape the future of the Discovery Community Fund by taking part in a county-wide consultation.
Organisations as diverse as People First, the Somerset Wildlife Trust and the Calvert Trust are amongst a wide range of organisations and groups that have successfully bid for funding ranging from £500 to £50,000 through the fund in the past.
The consultation is being carried out by the Somerset Parent Carer Forum and anyone aged 14 or above is urged to have their say before the closing date on Monday, 12th July.
Helen Orford, Managing Director of Discovery, said,
“Under our contract with Somerset County Council, half of any surplus we make is reinvested back into the county via the Community Fund. In that way, Discovery aims to make life better for everyone with a learning disability or autism across Somerset.”
Ruth Hobbs, Director of Somerset’s Parent Carer Forum which is conducting the consultation said:
“Hearing from individuals with learning disabilities and/or autistic people that live in Somerset is essential if we want to design services that support their needs. Things have changed a lot over the last year and it’s important to understand this. We want to see as many people as possible get involved so the way the Discovery Community Fund is used is shaped by them.”
How to get involved:
Visit the Parent Carer Forum website for all the details and support
Share your views by phone or post
The image shows Philip and Derek working to repair a dry stone wall as part of the Somerset Nature Connections project which was awarded a grant of £50,000 by the Community Fund. The project is a three-year partnership between Somerset Wildlife Trust, Quantock and Blackdown Hills and the Mendip Hills Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to enable people with learning disabilities and/or autism to have better access to the natural environment to improve their health and wellbeing.