Riverside Foundation, a charity established to transform lives and regenerate neighbourhoods in some of the most deprived communities around the country, has announced funding for the following community projects:

• Employment & Training support – a face to face mentoring service to support people into employment and training, based in communities across England including Liverpool, Carlisle and Hull.
• Home Improvement Agency Handyperson service – offering minor aids and adaptations to vulnerable older people in Merseyside, including a hardship fund for those who need extra financial support.
• A project providing intensive intervention to younger households with multiple economic and social needs (currently being piloted in Carlisle).
• Community Development Fund – a neighbourhood focussed fund intended to support local projects that benefit the community as a whole (currently being piloted in Dovecot north Liverpool with a series of youth engagement activities).
• Helping Hands fund – practical support available to combat hardship or severe crisis that is impacting on the householder’s ability to sustain a decent standard of living or their tenancy, for example by providing white goods, furniture, fuel card top ups or support with the costs associated with attending job interviews.

Riverside Foundation works in partnership with housing association Riverside to deliver the projects in communities across the country. Employment and Training project team leader Claire Bland explains: “We work with people to assess their needs and help identify their job goals and career aspirations. Our advisers develop a step-by-step plan of action to help people back into work, motivating individuals in a trustworthy, supportive environment.”

Riverside Foundation fundraising manager Lisa Connor: “We are proud to support a diverse range of projects aimed at promoting community action and cohesion, and breaking the cycle of poverty in our neighbourhoods.”

For more information visit http://www.riverside.org.uk/riverside_foundation.aspx