Dudley Council has invested more than £1.3 million in local community groups to boost services for residents.

At the end of 2017, Dudley Council launched its voluntary sector innovation fund, which would see it invest more than £2 million in the local and voluntary sector to improve support for adults, children and young people, over a three-year period.

The primary aim of the fund was to create new ways to support people with an increased risk of needing hospital or social care services and to encourage people to get involved in local community activities. Groups and organisations were asked to pitch for a share of the funding. Twenty nine projects were successful and a total of £1.37 million granted in the fund’s first year.

The projects vary and support people of all ages in the community, children, young people and their families and older residents.

They are helping people from all walks of life, including people with learning and physical disabilities and mental health problems or people recovering form substance misuse as well as those with long term health problems.

Together they are providing a range of activities including community food growing, self-help, support with getting work and housing, tackling domestic abuse and anti-social behaviour and providing opportunities for people to learn new skills and be creative. Councillor Cathy Bayton, cabinet member for health and adult social care services, said:

"We value the knowledge and expertise of our local groups and organisations which are often working at grass roots level to support people most in need.

"I’m really pleased we’ve been able to offer financial support to help them. The work they do has a big impact. It not only improves individual’s lives but contributes significantly in easing the pressures on health and social care services.”

The next phase of the fund will launch in the spring. Further details will be announced closer to the time.