Wokingham

A round of applications for the Small Sparks grant scheme fund will open next week (October 23) and it is a way of enabling local people with learning disabilities to get actively involved in the local Wokingham community by undertaking small projects that are important to them.

Run in partnership between Wokingham District Council, Wokingham Learning Disability Partnership Board and Wokingham District Voluntary Sector Forum, who lead the project, Small Sparks aims to provide a practical way of involving people with a learning disability in their local communities.

Small Sparks has been run successfully in other areas across the country, and some projects which have been funded have included a dance event, a cultural event, a community chocolate challenge and a community swap night including CDs, books and DVDs. These projects have ensured people with learning disabilities have engaged with other members of their local community in a shared event or activity.

Individual grants up to £250 will be awarded for some 14 projects. The council along with the Wokingham Learning Disability Partnership Board and Wokingham District Voluntary Sector Forum, is looking forward to receiving applications from people with learning disabilities who live in the Wokingham district. The closing date for submitting an application form is November 20.

The Small Grants scheme is generously funded by Wokingham Learning Disability Partnership Board and a national project called ‘In Control’. All projects need to involve the local communitiy and funds cannot be used for a project or group that is already up and running. Mentors will be on hand to help anyone who needs assistance to apply or to make a reality of their project.

Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons, executive member for Wokingham social care services and housing, said: “The Small Sparks grant scheme aims to improve opportunities for people with learning disabilities and supports them in leading full and active lives and overcoming discrimination.

“The district council recognises the importance of people with learning disabilities becoming activists in their local communities. This is real money, and if anyone with learning disabilities has any good ideas for a community project, then we want to hear from them!”

Chris Cowap of Wokingham District Voluntary Sector Forum said: "The Forum is very pleased to be supporting this innovative scheme. People with learning disabilities are amongst the most marginalised in society and these grants will help in funding projects that allow them to be more involved in their local communities."

Rod Clay, co-chair of the Wokingham Learning Disability Partnership Board, said: “This is a really exiting development for people with a learning disability and as a Partnership Board we are very happy to be supporting the project. Our main aim is to support people with learning disabilities to be active citizens and this project will help to make this a reality.”

Guidance explaining the application process, the criteria that individuals with learning disabilities must meet to qualify for a grant as well as application forms, is available on the council’s website at: www.wokingham.gov.uk or from Chris Cowap of the Wokingham District Voluntary Sector Forum on (0118) 984 6883.

Wokingham District Council