'101' Project Scoops £5000 Funding

Staff and students undertaking the ‘101’ Project have received a huge boost in their fundraising mission, after being presented with £5000 from the Grassroots Grants funding scheme, to invest in a new greenhouse.

The Grassroots Grants funding scheme supports low income groups at the very heart of local communities. Groups that are volunteer-led and have an annual turnover of less than £20,000 per annum can apply for a cash injection of up to £5000 to radically boost their work.

‘101’ is a sponsorship based project, where six Walsall College students with physical and learning disabilities are undertaking 101 challenges many people take for granted. These have ranged from pressing a button to cross the road or making a cup of tea, to being a CSI agent for the afternoon and external visits, including Green Lane Police Station, Walsall Art Gallery and canoeing.

All sponsorship money raised from the project will be invested in the very latest specialist equipment to enhance the students’ learning experience, including specialist shake resistant cameras and video equipment.

The bid for the £5000 grant was made to help raise funds for one of the students’ wish list items, a new greenhouse with specialist equipment that makes it accessible to wheelchair users.

Deborah Tovey, Inclusive Support Manager at Walsall College and project coordinator, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded a grant for £5000 by Grassroots for a greenhouse that will be accessible to all students across the College.

“Support for the project has been exceptional, far surpassing original expectations, with the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Gary Clarke selecting ‘101’ as one of his chosen charities, along with a range of support and donations from local people and businesses. It is envisaged that the greenhouse will provide Supported Learning students with an area where they can create their own enterprise, creating and selling a range of items, such as hanging baskets.”

Caroline Crolley, Local Assessor for Grassroots, said: “Grassroots is thrilled to be sponsoring the students on this project, which is the first of its type to be sponsored in Walsall. We are delighted that Walsall College is undertaking this project, working with local volunteers to improve the lives of some young people”.