Residents in Chell, Chell Heath and Fegg Hayes are being asked to come forward with ideas to be considered for Big Local lottery funding in their area.

The Big Local Stoke-on-Trent North project has £5,000 to give away to small schemes in the area.

The grants are the first phase of funding which will see the area benefit from up to £1 million of Big Local Trust funding.

Big Local Stoke North is run by a voluntary board of local residents supported by Staffordshire Housing Association.

Emma Griffiths, Regeneration Programme Manager, at SHA, said:  “We are appealing for people to get in touch with their ideas and are happy to hear about any project which will help the local community such as a trip to the seaside for local old people or help setting up a sports event for children.

“A meeting is being held on 27 March at Fegg Hayes Sports and Social Club where people can make their funding pitch to an X-factor style panel.

“To get involved, residents must contact the regeneration team at Staffordshire Housing beforehand, to talk through their idea and fill in an application form.”

Emma can be contacted by telephone on 01782 743734 or by email at [email protected].

Staffordshire Housing Association has been appointed by the Big Local Trust to generate interest in lottery funding in Chell. Chell Heath and Fegg Hayes.

Big Local say the 150 UK communities selected to receive the £1m Lottery funding have a history of difficulty in getting support and finance from the

Lottery and elsewhere, and may face a range of issues, for example, the decline of local industry, high unemployment or low average wages, or a pressing need for new support services or activities.

ENDS

For media enquiries contact Sarah Pye or Sandra Barber at Staffordshire Housing Association on 01782 744533.

Notes to Editors:

Staffordshire Housing Group is committed to building a better future for local communities.  The group’s parent organisation, Staffordshire Housing Association, has around 3,000 homes for rent and sale, including three older people’s villages, and offers a range of tenant services. Revival Home Improvement Agency works with older and vulnerable home owners to help them stay warm, secure and independent in well-maintained homes. Blue Mountain Housing Association works closely with refugees to provide essential support and help with access to healthcare, education, training and employment.  Since April 2012, Hanley-based charity Arch has been part of the group. Arch provides accommodation and support services to people in need, including survivors of domestic violence, ex-offenders and young people leaving care.