Fair Share Trust Brent celebrates achievements of 10 year project with ‘Family Fun Day’
For the past 10 years, residents in Church End and Roundwood have benefitted from the funding of local projects to empower and create opportunities within the community.
An evaluation conducted by Envoy Partnership found that the 10 year programme made significant changes to the area. Envoy Partnership reported a 30 per cent improvement in health and wellbeing of children and families in Church End and Roundwood. Furthermore, as much as 350 residents per year have participated in employability and skills training, and 900 households have received support on issues related to debt and welfare advice.
Patrick Vernon OBE, Fair Share Trust Brent advisory panel member, said that the funding of local projects has helped people get back into work, reduced isolation and improve self esteem.
Mr Vernon explained: “We have endeavoured to engage with local residents and community organisations to be part of the solution around the regeneration of the Church End and Roundwood area. Through the recent evaluation of Fair Share Trust Brent, using Social Return on Investment, we found that for every £1 we had invested in funding local projects, we have received a social return of £3.”
The funding programme, which ended on March 31 with a total spend of £865,000, is said to have improved a sense of local pride and happiness for residents by at least 30 per cent.
Neil Jackson, Fair Share Trust Brent’s community development manager, added: “Fair Share Trust Brent has matured since the project was first launched 10 years ago. Our two main priorities were to create opportunities for residents and to work with children and families. With high unemployment in the area, making people employment-ready was essential. Working with organisations such as Brent Citizens Advice Bureau, Brent Community Law Centre and Bang Edutainment, we helped local people progress into training and jobs.”
The ‘Family Fun Day’ takes place on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 12pm at the Unity Centre, 103 Church Road NW10. Residents will be treated to information about the funded projects, face painting, Qusar, bouncy castle, football caoaching and more.