Accrington Stanley Community Trust is proud to announce the arrival of a brand-new minibus, funded through the UK Government’s Common Ground Award via the Common Ground Resilience Fund.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) launched the Common Ground Resilience Fund in September as part of its commitment to building cohesive and resilient communities. A key focus of the programme is recognising and strengthening the vital role of the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in bringing people together from different backgrounds.
Through the Common Ground Award, capital funding is being invested into VCSE organisations across the country to support the construction or renovation of facilities, and the purchase of equipment needed to deliver essential services. Accrington Stanley Community Trust successfully secured funding to purchase a new minibus, which will significantly enhance the Trust’s ability to deliver its wide-ranging community programmes.
The minibus will support participants across the Trust’s education, sport, health and inclusion programmes — including the Football College, women’s and girls’ initiatives, disability sport sessions, holiday activities, and community outreach projects. Reliable transport is often one of the biggest barriers preventing individuals and families from accessing opportunities, and the new vehicle will ensure more people can engage safely and consistently in positive activities.
Martin Fearon, CEO of Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to receive support through the Government’s Common Ground Award. This funding recognises the important role that community organisations like ours play in bringing people together and creating opportunities for local residents.
The new minibus will make a huge difference to our day-to-day delivery, helping us remove transport barriers and ensuring more young people and families can access our programmes.”
As a leading VCSE organisation in Hyndburn, Accrington Stanley Community Trust works with thousands of participants each year, using the power of sport, education and community engagement to inspire positive change.
The Trust would like to place on record its sincere thanks to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Common Ground Resilience Fund for their investment in local community development.
For more information about Accrington Stanley Community Trust and its programmes, visit www.stanleytrust.co.uk