Member Article

Ouseburn Farm asks for public support in NatWest funding campaign

Ouseburn Farm in Newcastle is one of 18 organisations shortlisted in this year’s North region NatWest Skills and Opportunities Fund, with the chance of winning up to £35,000.

Now in its last year, NatWest has provided over £7m of funding to 311 organisations across England and Wales. The aim is to fund organisations and projects that enable people in disadvantaged communities to develop, create or access the skills and opportunities they need to develop now and in the future.

The funding will be awarded to the organisation(s) which receive the greatest number of votes in a public vote. The farm is hoping the North East public will get behind its latest project called Nosh, which aims to help maximise income and develop basic life-skills to socially and financially excluded adults, especially those facing homelessness.

Working in partnership with its parent company, Tyne Housing Association, the project aims to help at least 50 vulnerable adults through a unique programme to teach them budgeting and financial management skills and life-skills such as planning, preparing and enjoying meals together.

Those involved in the programme will receive tailored one-to-one support, advice and guidance and sessions will be delivered at the farm and community café giving participants the chance to experience all aspects of growing, cooking and eating together. Participants can stay with the charity to gain further skills in volunteering, training or work experience either at the farm, its café or carpentry workshop.

Sally Adams from Ouseburn Farm, said: “We’re delighted to get through to the second stage of this funding round and are now in with a great chance of securing much needed funding. After the fantastic success of our People’s Project campaign, we’re hoping the public will get behind us once more for our latest project, Nosh, which will help 50 of the North East’s most vulnerable people - giving them the essential skills they need to turn their lives around. Please vote for us and help to spread the word.”

Voting is free and will take no more than two minutes. To vote, please visit http://skillsandopportunitiesfund.natwest.com/vote click on the ‘North’ region and then vote Ouseburn Farm. Voting closes this Friday, 9 November.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Up North Communications .