Advantage Coast Programme Supporting Local Growth in the East Riding

A number of local projects that support innovation, businesses, skills and employment are enjoying a share of European funding

The Advantage Coast Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) Programme is a £6.9 million investment from the European Social Fund and the European Regional Development Fund and is managed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council in partnership with Scarborough Borough Council, and aims to support less affluent communities within Scarborough, Bridlington and Filey.

CLLD gives local organisations and businesses the opportunity to apply for grant funding for projects which will deliver support for individuals to improve employment opportunities.

The programme is community-led and the decision making panel is made up of local people from communities along the coast, meet to consider project applications.

Since launching last December, the CLLD team has received over 35 applications for grant funding. Successful projects have already started delivering and include Activfirst, Christchurch Community Services and Coast and Vale Community Action (CAVCA).

Activfirst have successfully received £234,000 of funding to deliver a programme of support and mentoring to help residents in Bridlington to find work.

The two-year funded project provides a one-stop-shop for residents to access support, including functional skills and work-related qualifications, as well as assistance with job searches and interview skills.

Christ Church Community Services has been awarded £156,000 to deliver a Healthy Lives project in Bridlington.

Following a successful pilot project last year, this funding will enable Christchurch to support families to improve health and wellbeing through cooking sessions offered at the Quay Centre.

CAVCA has been awarded £66,000 over three years to fund a part-time social enterprise ambassador to offer support and guidance to potential social entrepreneurs.

The scheme will provide one-to-one support and training for individuals contemplating setting up a social enterprise, as well as holding advice and networking events in the town to promote social enterprise opportunities in the local area.

Council Jane Evison, cabinet portfolio holder for transforming lifestyles at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Transforming the economy of the coast is a priority for both this council and our neighbours Scarborough Borough Council.

“Providing people with the skills to secure employment is not only good for business it also provides social benefits, by improving health and wellbeing.

“The Advantage Coast Programme is an exciting opportunity for organisations in Bridlington and Scarborough to get funding  to support innovative projects, which will improve job and business prospects for the residents most in need of support.”

More information on funded projects can be found on the Adavantage Coast website, at www.advantagecoast.org.uk

Any  groups or organisations that feel they would like to be involved in the Advantage Coast Programme should contact  the CLLD programme coordinator Rob Warner at rob.warner@Eastriding.gov.uk or call (01482) 391763.