Sunderland Green & Open Spaces Forum is today celebrating after being awarded almost £6,000 in National Lottery funding to support its work.

The community group will use the cash to develop social media, support the cost of meeting room hire, provide a range of learning opportunities – such as bee keeping – and enable other groups access to equipment for presentations.

Julie Elliot, MP for Sunderland Central said: “Open and green spaces, such as our river and coastline, are a vital part of what makes our city unique.

“The award will provide much-needed security for the Forum, and enhance the wonderful work members have done so far.”

Sunderland Green & Open Spaces Forum was set up earlier this year to promote the city’s open spaces, rivers, coast and waterways – and support others aiming to enhance provision.

The award from The National Lottery Community Fund will see the Forum offer bi-monthly meetings, to help build relationships with others experiencing the same challenges and enable them to develop their own support network.

Tim Wright, Chair of the Forum said: “We are pleased with this award. It will provide a big boost to build capacity for individuals and groups working on blue and green space provision across the city.”

David Newrick, the Forum’s Treasurer and Trustee of the Tansy Centre, South Hylton, said: “This award will give the Forum much needed financial security and provide a solid platform on which  our work can develop.’

Kathy Pickering, Assistant Secretary of the Friends of Hetton Lyons Country Park and fellow Forum Committee member, said:

“Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to press on offering more support and creating learning opportunities for people to meet together to share their experiences.

“This is important because stronger collaboration will enable a more effective voice on this agenda.”

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