Residents, community organisations and businesses with innovative
ideas to help local areas recover from the effects of the
pandemic are being offered the chance to win funding and support
of up to £15,000.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is introducing a new
‘Dragons’ Den’ style competition for anyone with a new idea which
will help local communities build back better.
Called the Community Recovery Innovation Challenge, 20 prizes
worth £500 are available for the best ideas along with an
invitation to an innovation masterclass. In addition, the top
three chosen will receive bespoke support valued up to £15,000
each, to help them take their project to the next stage of
development
, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “Community recovery
forms a critical part of the wider West Midlands recovery from
the coronavirus pandemic, which is why we have launched the
Community Recovery Innovation Challenge. Offering support to
those who have the best ideas to help our communities bounce back
from the effects of the pandemic, the challenge will help bring
some of the region’s best and innovative ideas to life.
“Now more than ever we need to be creative, and the West Midlands
is fortunate to have some of the brightest and best minds in the
country. We want our region to come back greener and more
inclusive, so I would urge anyone who has an idea that they think
could make a difference to please get in touch.”
The competition is one of the activities being organised by the
West Midlands Recovery Coordination Group, which was formed in
June 2020 to address the wider social and community issues
concerning the pandemic and to look towards recovery. In November
2020 the group produced a Community Recovery Roadmap which set
out the challenges faced by the region but also the imaginative
methods which have been used to build resilience during the
pandemic. Many of the examples of good practice were short term
responses to the crisis, but some have the potential to help
build back better.
As a result, the new fund has been set up to reward and support
ideas that build community resilience.
Cllr Maria Crompton, WMCA portfolio lead for public service
reform and social economy, and deputy leader of Sandwell Council
said: “There is much to do right now to level-up our region and
build the foundations for future prosperity. This competition
will contribute to that and encourage entrants to not only
display their innovative thinking but also be hands on in
building the region’s recovery.”
As well as funding, owners of the successful bids will receive
support and coaching in how to further develop their project and
turn their idea into reality.
Projects should address at least one of 12 categories including
debt, domestic violence, mental health and support for grassroots
culture, art and sport. Proposals must be presented in the form
of a short film and / or summary document giving a brief overview
of the community, how COVID-19 has impacted it and how their idea
will address the problem. Competition entries should include a
rough outline of how any funds would be used.
Entries should be submitted by midday on 21 March 2021. To find
out more visit www.wmca.org.uk/CommunityBounceback
The categories are:
-
Support the most vulnerable people
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Tackle domestic violence
-
Deliver ‘people-powered’ health
-
Widen awareness and access to mental health
support
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Make education and training more accessible
-
Help prepare children for school or early years
learning
-
Bring the young and the elderly together
-
Support youth employment and skills
-
Encourage grassroots culture, arts and sport
-
Address homelessness or debt issues
-
Increase digital inclusion, and/or
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Improve access to green spaces
