Calico Homes residents have voted on local projects which will receive the first funding of a new project aimed at improving community projects across Burnley.
The winners of the voting were Casual Minds Matter, Warms Hearts run by the Community Grocery and Burnley Wood Community Centre dance classes.
Voting was carried out by customers involved in Calico Homes’ Customer Experience Network. The winning community groups received funding between £800-£2000.
Casual Minds Matter were awarded funding to continue providing vital mental health care for men in Burnley, receiving the highest amount of support from Calico Homes customers. Customers wanted commitment to tackling the issue of mental health concerns in the area.
Overwhelming support was given to all 3 projects including Warm Hearts’ Coffee Morning which will be providing breakfast, lunch and a safe space for individuals every Friday.
Burnley Wood Community Group will also be receiving funding to host free dance classes for kids to make sure every child in the area has access to the same opportunities.
Calico Homes have introduced the ‘Calico Community Choice’ project to give residents the chance to decide which projects will best benefit their communities, either by bidding for funding or voting on which projects will benefit their community most.
Funding requests can be made by individuals and new or established community groups and Calico Homes are now accepting submissions for the next round of voting which is set to take place in June.
Calico Homes will continue visiting and engaging with community groups in the area who are interested in bidding for funding. To find out more about how to get involved or to bid for funding, contact Customers@Calico.org.uk.
Emmy Dickinson, Community Engagement Officer at Calico Homes’ Community Investment Team said; ‘We’re delighted to be awarding three community groups funding which will have a huge impact on neighbourhoods and people across Burnley.
We also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted and united to make huge benefits to communities. The support of our tenants is vital in making positive changes within our communities in Burnley.
If you want to get involved in the voting or if you want to put your community group forward for the chance to receive funding, please get in touch.’
Justin Pate, Director at Casual Minds Matter said: ‘Firstly we would like to the thank the customers of Calico Homes for thinking about us when voting, this means as much to us as the donation.
For people who we don’t know to vote for us gives us enormous pride in continuing to keep providing free mental health services to the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale areas. The funding will go towards paying for the services of our professional counsellors and will give 25 one-hour sessions to those in need.’