COMMUNITY groups in some of the most deprived areas of Worcester have celebrated the difference they have been able to make thanks to a share of a £30 million pot of government funding.

A number of groups and projects in the city including domestic violence support group the DAWN Project and the Blackpole and Fairmount Community Group, which used the cash to clean up and revamp the play area in Turners Close, benefitted from grants of up to £2,500 from the government’s £30 million Community First Fund.

Representatives from organisations which benefited from the fund met at an event at the Graeme Hick Suite at Worcestershire County Cricket Club in New Road on Wednesday, February 4 to celebrate the difference the cash had made while hearing about other sources of funding.

Grants were awarded by a panel of public representatives and residents, which was handed a national award last August for its work ensuring the money was well spent.

Project coordinator at Worcester City Council Francesca Davies said the fun had helped more than 70 community and voluntary groups in the city.

“The Community First programme has helped residents in some of Worcester’s most deprived areas,” she said.

The cash has also paid for a representative from Worcester Volunteer Centre in The Tything to visit schools, community centres, shops, GP surgeries and parks in the Warndon and Rainbow Hill areas to encourage residents to get involved with volunteering.

A transport scheme helping elderly people get out and about and more Ofsted-accredited play rangers have also been paid for by the fund.