Abbey puts £80,000 up for grabs

From the archive, first published Friday 8th Dec 2006.

A bank which has donated £40,000 to community projects this year is urging groups to make sure they get a slice of the £80,000 up for grabs in 2007.

Groups in the Bradford district who think they might qualify for the cash grants from Abbey are now being asked to think about bidding for the next year's funds.

Grants are made to groups which, among other things, tackle disadvantage in education and training and cross-community regeneration.

The Street Lights Project, at Youth Base in New Hey Road, East Bowling, helps young people at risk of social exclusion and this year received £3,800 from Abbey to buy mountain bikes and a trailer for constructive leisure and recreational activities.

The money gave the group the opportunity to hold more bike sessions and over the summer they were able to take a group of youngsters on a cycle race along the canal from Liverpool to Bradford.

Outreach co-ordinator Rob Normington said: "We were really chuffed to get the money because it has allowed us to buy more equipment and do more bike sessions. Charities like us would not be able to offer the more interesting activities that we do without the financial support from something like this."

The charitable trust also gave Sangat Community Association in Marlborough Street, Keighley, £7,000 for its Study Support project. The money has allowed the centre to get rid of some ageing computers and replace them with brand new PCs.

Bradford and Keighley People First in Skipton Road, Keighley, received £6,000 to train local people with learning difficulties in how to set up their own independent, user-led groups.

Alan Eagle, Abbey Charitable Trust manager, said: "Our community partnership group is made up of local staff and a local charity representative so they really understand the need that exists in Bradford to support local charities that meet one of our charitable priorities.

"Abbey is committed to helping those communities where we have a significant presence and feel that we can make an important difference with our grants."

For more details about the grant scheme go to www. aboutabbey.com/csr

e-mail: ali.davies@bradford.newsquest.co.uk