Esther McVey: Lottery funding workshop held in Hoylake

Apr 13 2011 Heswall News

A FEW months back I, along with every MP, met with Big Lottery organisers who explained how much money had been allocated to each constituency, what projects had been funded, as well as to explain how successful an area was in competing for lottery money.

I was startled to discover Wirral was one of the lowest areas to bid for funds so had received a low percentage of the country’s allocation.

I tried to ascertain why that was, but was given no clear reason.

Now it certainly isn’t because local groups don’t need the money, nor is it that Wirral is low on vibrant charitable and voluntary organisations, so rather than complain about a situation, I decided instead to work in partnership with the Big Lottery to help increase the number of successful bids from our area. So this week we held the first ever ‘funding workshop’ with representatives from the Big Lottery Fund at Hoylake Community Centre.

The response from voluntary groups to the invitation was overwhelming, so much so over 60 groups from across the borough attended and the Big Lottery are coming back to hold another event for me.

During the day people learnt how to write a bid as well as finding out how they could qualify for funding of up to £500,000.

I am exceptionally keen to continue to raise awareness amongst community and voluntary groups, not only here in Wirral West but across the whole of Wirral to ensure that in future years Wirral receives its fair share of the Big Lottery money.

If you’d like any more information, contact the office on 0151 632 4348 or email me at esther.mcvey.mp@parliament.uk