Staffordshire has a long and proud history of helping those who have had no choice but to flee war and persecution. Staffordshire citizens have stepped up in their hundreds to help people fleeing war, persecution and violence in their own country.
Staffordshire County Council has been part of the UK Governments Resettlement programmes since 2016. The Local Authority has been supporting Ukrainians since the Government launched the Homes for Ukraine scheme in March 2022 and Afghans who have resettled in Staffordshire under the ARAP, ACRS and ARP schemes since October 2021.
To date, the Council are currently supporting over 757 Ukrainian guests as part of the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. These Ukrainian guests are either currently being supported by a Sponsor within the Sponsors accommodation, or they have already moved to live independently in their own accommodation. Currently, the Council is also currently supporting 202 Afghans as part of the ARAP, ACRS and ARP schemes.
Staffordshire County Council is supporting Ukrainian and Afghan individuals who have entered the country as part of the Homes for Ukraine, ARAP, ACRS and ARP schemes to integrate into their new lives in Staffordshire and to become fully independent.
Aims of the fund
The panel are keen to explore some innovative and creative projects which support these communities.
Grant Scheme Projects should look to achieve these outcomes
a) Families and individuals:
- Can easily access varied ESOL opportunities delivered in a number of settings and platforms around the county in all 8 Districts
- Have clear and supported pathways into jobs and long-term careers, which includes education and training, work experience, volunteering and links to employers
- Have the resources to sustain themselves and their family’s financial independence
- Realise positive physical health
- Realise positive emotional health and wellbeing, as well as know how, when and where to seek help
- Engagement with local communities and networks of support via activities, events and local services to enable refugees to become resilient within their community
- Resettled families are proud of where they are living and celebrate what makes Staffordshire special
b) Environment – places, communities and services where:
- Staffordshire’s citizens have a greater awareness of new communities and are better connected to emerging communities and new arrivals
- Staffordshire’s citizens are able to access volunteering opportunities which can support and welcome refugees to the County
- Existing refugee communities in Staffordshire are able to connect to and support newly arriving guests and refugees
- Existing refugee communities in Staffordshire are able to share their experiences and build inter-community relationships with new refugees
- Guests and refugees feeling confident about getting involved in their local community and organise their own VCSE groups
- Families are proud of where they live, feel safe and belong
c) Partnerships – connectivity and working together so that:
- All organisations and groups involved in working with and supporting refugees have a better awareness of each other and the activity taking place across the County
- The support provided to guests and refugees is more joined up and coordinated across sectors, organisations and groups
- Guests and refugees have a clear understanding of the services and support available to them
- Guests and refugees are engaged and involved in the development and delivery of all the Resettlement Schemes
- VCSE groups work together to deliver accessible, successful and value for money projects
Below are some examples of what has been funded to date:
- Trauma training to youth workers and professionals so support can be offered to Ukrainian refugees across the county
- Providing driving theory preparation workshops and food hygiene courses online
- Providing free entertainment for families to enjoy
- English for Speakers of other languages (ESOL) classes
- Employability support workshops
- Support to furnish homes when guests move into their own housing.
- Cultural and creative projects that support positive Emotional Health and Wellbeing.
Gaps in provision where we would welcome applications:
- Christmas & February half term holiday activities for the children and families such as a day out to a museum or a heritage venue (i.e. Heritage property, sporting activity days, days out in the country side etc.). Other activities that are popular for families include cooking sessions and cultural exchanges.
The Stafford area is in need of projects:
- More youth activities mainly in Stafford are required. This must be at a central location to include activities such as sport, music, art & craft, nature & country side visits, educational support and community participation . Consideration to be given to weekends also. Additional projects in Burton may be considered.
- F2F Family ESOL offer in Stafford after school or weekends.
- Informal community conversation group in central Stafford for women where you can take pre-school children along.
Grants Available
There is still funding available for the New Communities Resettlement Fund up to £20,000
Grants will need to be fully spent and delivery complete by 16th March 2027.
Who Can Apply
The following organisations are eligible to apply:
- Registered charities.
- Constituted community or voluntary groups.
- Social Enterprises.
- Any other voluntary, not-for-profit organisation.
- Parish Councils (provided the grant is for new/additional activities, services or events).
Organisations will ideally have been established for at least 12 months. Newer organisations must contact the Community Foundation to discuss their eligibility prior to applying.
Organisations are required to have the following:
- Governance document (e.g., constitution, memorandum and articles of association).
- Accounts (either audited, independently examined or giving evidence of cashflow).
- A bank statement (no older than three months and clearly showing the bank account name, number and sort code).
- A safeguarding policy.
- An equality Policy.
- Public liability insurance.
Eligible Costs
• Equipment costs – for the project
• Training costs
• Project Costs
• Event Costs
• Staff costs to deliver the project
• Core costs – relating to the project
• Costs of providing the evaluation of the project
Submission Dates
Next Closing Date : Open Round (We would encourage you to submit an application as soon as possible, as this programme will close when all money is spent and activity needs to be complete by 16th March 2027).
Assessment Period: Throughout the application window
Panel Date: Open Round – Applications will be considered on submission
Panel Construction: Funder Advised
Notifications: On decision
Payment: From 28th of each month
Please note, the application window will close when all remaining funds have been awarded