In April 2024, Wesley’s Teaching Project received a significant boost from Fylde Council’s Community Wellbeing Fund, funded by the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Between February and November 2024, the programme allocated £45,282 to ten initiatives across nine local organisations, fostering over 209 volunteering roles and creating 185 new volunteering opportunities. Through these projects, the fund engaged more than 2,100 Fylde residents, empowering communities and promoting wellbeing across the region.
For over eight years, Wesley’s has been a beacon of hope and support for their local community. Operating out of Church Road Methodist Church in Lytham St Annes, the project helps to tackle food insecurity, promotes cooking skills and combats food waste through its Community Café and Larder, providing free meals and essential supplies to those in need, powered by a dedicated team of local volunteers.
While surplus food is generously donated by local suppliers, the project’s continued success relies on funding and additional support. The £5,000 grant has already brought remarkable changes to the project and community it serves, enabling Wesley’s to conduct additional training programmes for volunteers to enhance project operations and extend their opening hours to serve over 250 people each week. Wesley’s have since established a Senior Ethos Group to guide their long-term growth and created a Training and Competence Matrix to encourage their volunteers’ development.
The lives of volunteers and customer alike have been profoundly impacted by Wesley’s enhanced services. Barbara, who joined the team in October 2022 as a kitchen assistant, has achieved her Food Hygiene Level 2 qualification and now serves as Supervisor of the Day every Monday. Similarly, Cath, initially a customer, started volunteering in April 2021 and now serves as Tuesday’s Supervisor, becoming a key member of the team.
Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, commented: “Wesley’s Teaching Project’s success highlights the transformative power of our Community Wellbeing Fund. The remarkable results achieved through this funding demonstrate the positive impact that targeted community investment can have.”
Fylde Council’s UKSPF Community Wellbeing Fund has now closed, however Fylde Council continue to offer alternative grant schemes to local charities and organisations. If you believe you could benefit, find out more information on funding opportunities here or speak to the Health and Wellbeing team at community@fylde.gov.uk.
