VOLUNTEERS at a Hallow farm-based day service are bidding for Worcester residents votes to win more than £60,000 of National Lottery funding.
Wildgoose Rural Training has won the support of Worcestershire County Council in its efforts to receive £68,000 from The People’s Projects campaign.
The National Lottery Community Fund, ITV, UTV and the Sunday Mail (in Scotland) have teamed up to give the public a chance to decide how National Lottery funding should be put to good use in their local area. The Worcestershire-based project is the county’s sole representative in the shortlist.
It helps to bring people with disabilities together and is regularly used by 117 adults and 40 young school-age students, who struggle to attend school.
While on the farm, users can learn new experiences such as interacting with animals, learning what goes into looking after a farm, to woodwork and maintaining vehicles.
The service, moved to a brand new 42-acre site in 2019.
Should they be successful, the money will support them to build new teaching spaces, create employment opportunities, buy new teaching resources and grow organic produce to make wholesome food.
It will also give those who attend an opportunity to care for animals, and participate in woodworking, mechanics and blacksmithing.
Jim Hidderley, managing director for Wildgoose Rural Training said: “The funding will be key to us being able to offer continued places to some of the most vulnerable folks in Worcestershire, all votes will be incredibly important and appreciated.”
Councillor Adrian Hardman, cabinet member for Adult Social Care at Worcestershire County Council, said: “This project has been fantastic through the years, giving people with disabilities the opportunity to develop their skills and learn new things out in the open air.
“I’d urge the people of Worcestershire to vote for it and help take it to the next stage.”
Since it started in 2005, The People’s Projects has awarded around £45 million to more than 1,000 good causes.
Voting closes at midday on Friday (May 26). People can vote only once per region and will need an e-mail address or mobile number to vote.
Visit www.thepeoplesprojects.org.uk for more.
