NEWSROOM

Telford & Wrekin Council set up its Councillors’ Pride Fund to support local communities.

Since it launched in 2011, the fund has provided more than £2.5million to community projects and secured more than £1million of match funding.

In the last 12 months, every councillor was awarded £5,000 to support local community projects, with many choosing to support projects that make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people. These investments also support the Council's Child Friendly Telford and Wrekin ambition, helping to ensure children and young people have opportunities to be healthy, happy, safe and heard in their communities.

The fund has supported the delivery costs of a number of youth clubs in Arleston and College, Overdale and The Rock, Lawley, Donnington, Wrockwardine Wood and Trench, Hadley and Leegomery, The Nedge, Dawley and Aqueduct, Oakengates and Ketley Bank, Woodside and Ketley.

Funding has also helped provide equipment and resources for youth activities, supported junior football clubs with new kits and equipment, and invested in projects that encourage young people to get active, learn new skills and build confidence.

Schools across the Borough are also benefitting, with funding being used to help create new learning environments and opportunities for pupils. Projects include plans for a new SEND sensory and regulation room at Wrockwardine Wood CE Junior School, specialist sensory equipment at John Randall Primary School, outdoor learning facilities at Wrockwardine Wood Infant School and playground improvements at St Peter's Bratton CE Academy.

Other grants have supported school allotment projects, helping children learn more about growing food and the environment, while funding has also enabled pupils to take part in educational visits and end-of-year activities.

The Councillors' Pride Fund has also supported some of the Borough's most vulnerable young people. Funding contributed towards the annual Hotshots Celebration event for children in care and care leavers, recognising their achievements and supporting enrichment opportunities designed to broaden horizons, build confidence and create positive life experiences.

Councillor Paul Davis, Cabinet Member for Strong Communities, Local Pride and Veterans, said:

"The Councillors' Pride Fund continues to make a real difference in our communities by supporting projects that matter most to local people.

"These examples show how relatively small grants can have a lasting impact, helping young people access sport, make new friendships, enjoy safe places to spend time, develop important life skills and reach their full potential.

"Since the fund was established, councillors have allocated more than £2.5 million to community projects and secured over £1 million in match funding, demonstrating the value of investing in grassroots initiatives that help us protect, care and invest to create a better Borough."

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Education, Employment and Skills, said:

"It's fantastic to see so many projects supporting children and young people across our Borough through the Councillors' Pride Fund.

"From youth clubs and sports activities to sensory spaces and outdoor learning projects, this funding is helping young people build confidence, develop new skills and access opportunities that can have a positive impact on their lives.

"As we continue our Child Friendly Telford and Wrekin journey, it's important that children and young people have access to opportunities that help them thrive, feel connected to their communities and achieve their full potential.

"These projects show the difference that local investment can make, ensuring children and young people are supported to thrive in their communities and achieve their full potential."

In 2025/26 alone, councillors allocated £270,000 through the scheme, attracting an additional £130,635 in match funding, meaning that for every £1 awarded through the Councillors' Pride Fund, a further 48p was secured from other sources.