Hounslow Council awarded more than £300,000 to fifteen voluntary groups as part of the Thriving Communities Funding initiative. 

A significant portion of the funding, nearly £147,000, has been allocated to six disability-centered projects.   

These projects encompass a range of initiatives, including two focused on autism, a swimming club tailored for individuals with dementia, support for those isolated due to disability, and assistance with practical issues related to disabilities, including aiding overwhelmed caregivers with paperwork.  

In addition to these disability-oriented efforts, approximately £70,000 has been granted to four projects dedicated to young people and families.  

Among these projects is an innovative partnership with RollaDome org, which aims to enhance the employability of young people not in education or employment.   

Councillor Shivraj Grewal, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities, and Culture, emphasised the alignment of the funding with the council's priorities and expressed excitement about the diverse set of projects that enrich the local voluntary sector. 

He said: "The result, including this exciting set of projects, is a mix of activity that further compliments and enriches our vibrant voluntary sector." 

Anne-Marie Waugh, Founder and Chief Executive of RollaDome, expressed gratitude for the support that will help establish the organisation further in West London, focusing on empowering young people and their families towards more positive outcomes.  

She said: "As an organisation, we have a proud history of using skating to engage young people and this specific project will focus on individuals that can benefit from what we're good at; helping kids and their families move towards more positive outcomes at a crucial time in their development."  

The Thriving Communities Fund is funded through the Local Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), the Community Partnerships Unit (CPU), and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).