Lancaster community organisation awarded Covid recovery funding with help of Comic Relief

Jane Binnion, who runs The Growing Club CIC, is one of more than 120 social entrepreneurs have been awarded funding from UnLtd’s Inclusive Recovery Fund, a £4.75m fund to help social entrepreneurs in England deliver their important services while adapting to challenges presented by the coronavirus crisis.

The Growing Club CIC is a not-for-profit organisation which provides a range of skills training and opportunities for women, using a creative and alternative peer support model.

The funding aims to unleash the potential of social entrepreneurs at a pivotal moment the UK’s economic and social recovery.

It is available thanks to a partnership with Comic Relief, matched by the Department for Digital, Culture Media & Sport as part of the Government’s £750m support package for charities.

Mark Norbury, chief executive, UnLtd, said: "We were astonished at the quality and number of applications for this fund, demonstrating a clear and continuing funding gap for high-potential social entrepreneurs across a breadth of causes, communities, venture-types and sectors.

"It’s evident that social entrepreneurs have the resilience, impact and potential to be front and centre of the UK’s recovery from Covid-19.

"Those funded today will be leading lights as we enter the next act of the coronavirus crisis – allowing us a glimpse of hope and optimism as the year draws to a close and we look further ahead to what comes next.”

Ruth Davison, chief executive, Comic Relief, said: “The range of work set to be delivered is outstanding. The 120 talented entrepreneurs are using their skills to engage and empower people who are often overlooked and face a range of inequalities. Their work will be a vital part of helping communities throughout the pandemic and its recovery.”