Member Article

Foundation invests £42k in local projects tackling addiction in the region

Leading grants-giving charity, Heart of England Community Foundation, is investing support in local drug and alcohol abuse services in order to help tackle the West Midlands addiction crisis. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the charity has awarded six grants across the region, providing over £42,000 to projects fighting substance abuse and addiction issues.

With substance misuse and drug-related deaths at an all-time high in the West Midlands, the need for support services is needed now more than ever. Working with charities from Walsall to Stratford-upon-Avon, the Foundation is funding support to those who are suffering from addiction.

Supporting projects like Livingstone House, Cherished Hearts, ESH Works Ltd, Changes UK and Substance Matters, has meant that the Foundation has helped over 300 people on the road to recovery, ensuring that they receive the tailored support they need.

Paul Urmston, Chief Executive at ESH Works Ltd, comments on the funding received by the Foundation:

“During the pandemic, the demand for the services we offer was far greater than any time before. Drug and alcohol problems have both increased dramatically throughout lockdown, and we’ve received more calls in the last 12 months than ever before. Thankfully, with the support from Heart of England Community Foundation, we were able to continue operations from our residential rehab and care home, providing our rehabilitation programme and focussed 1-2-1 counselling sessions. As an independent not-for-profit organisation, grants and funding are fundamental to our organisation and have been vital to keeping our services available to the residents, their families and friends, in Warwickshire.”

In a bid to help the West Midlands and Warwickshire communities live happier, healthier lives, the Foundation is focused on supporting local charities that are helping people on their journey beyond the pandemic, especially those who are in need of bespoke support such as drug and alcohol rehabilitating services.

Tina Costello, Chief Executive of Heart of England Community Foundation, said:

“The effects of COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on some of our most disadvantaged communities across the region so it’s no surprise that we’ve seen a rise in mental health issues and drug and alcohol misuse.

Many of the projects we support have an indirect impact on addiction through projects supporting homelessness, mental health and wellbeing so I am so pleased that as a charity we’ve been able to help organisations across the region to continue tackling the problems more and more people are facing. Without these local organisations, a lot of our communities would not have anyone to turn to, so it’s important that we ensure they are able to provide the vital support.“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jodie .