Lotto numbers come up for two charities

TWO Oldham charities have received a major cash boost from the Big Lottery Fund.

Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale — the award-winning environmental team, and OPAL, Oldham Personal Advocacy Limited, were two of 21 charities in the North-West to receive a share of a £1.6 million pot.

Groundwork received £150,000 from the Fund, designed to help charities most vulnerable to public spending cuts, prepare for new opportunities being created through the Government’s Big Society ideas. Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale is using the money to improve business development and support the diversification of its services.

A Groundwork spokesman said the funding was vital, after local authority cuts: “We will use the money to develop our standards, policies and to obtain further accreditation to strengthen our ability to win new business.

“As an example of which we are interested in holding the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditation (schemes to provide electricity and heat from renewable sources).

“We will improve our IT infrastructure, obtain new equipment and enhance security.

“We are also investing in training and the continued development of our staff.”

OPAL, the charity which provides independent advocacy services and activities for people with learning disabilities, received a £51,500 grant.

Camilla Guereca, chief executive, said: “We are absolutely delighted. The funds will be used to develop the skills and expertise necessary to secure new funding.

“As part of this work we intend to develop a catering enterprise which will provide a range of volunteering opportunities and ultimately employment for people with learning disabilities.”