Cash grant is lifeline for hub of the community
10:00am Sunday 5th February 2012 in News
A CENTRE which is home to some of Bolton’s most vital community groups, has been thrown a lifeline.
The Bolton Hub faced an uncertain future after Gov- ernment cuts in grants to good causes led to some groups moving out of the Bold Street facility.
But now, the Government has given £331,064 to the building’s main tenant, Bolton Community and Vol- untary Services (BCVS).
The cash will pay for helpers from 12 groups to gain qualifications so they can run training courses that generate a profit.
It is hoped this will reduce the risk of more groups moving out.
Money will also be spent on bringing the groups clos- er together, pairing them with businesses which need their services and helping them apply for grants.
BCVS chief executive Karen Minnett said: “We want to encourage new ideas and new ways of providing sup- port which will benefit the hundreds of voluntary and community groups that are already making a big contri- bution to life within Bolton.” Among those to benefit from the windfall are Bolton Wanderers Football Club Community Trust (BWCT), Groundwork Bury and Bolton, and the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire.
BWCT leader Ian Laith- waite said: “This is excel- lent news for Bolton and gives the opportunity to work in creative ways between the business sector and the voluntary and com- munity sector.” The Bolton Hub opened in 2007 after being funded by a £750,000 Lotto and Government grant.
Bolton Interfaith Council, Bolton Hindu Forum, men- tal health support group BAND and BCVS are based there.
But last autumn BCVS downsized and Greater Manchester Youth Network moved out, leaving the char- ity that runs the building, Bolton Trinity Centre, £33,000 out of pocket.
Bolton Council offered a £70,000 grant to ease the pain.
Council leader, Cllr Cliff Morris, added: “I know this money will be put to good use helping local groups to find new and better ways of working together for the benefit of local people.”
