The Crafty Crafters, located in the Rossmere area of Hartlepool, run training sessions for elderly people in the production of arts and crafts. It provides a social and learning environment, encouraging active minds. The group was awarded a £2,790 grant, £700 of which was from the BPI Fund, to help with costs for new equipment, transport to craft fairs and to run workshops on how to use specialist tools to develop new skills. Dorothy Hiney who runs the club said “The grant has enabled us to buy new tools and equipment. We also go to craft exhibitions to learn about new techniques and equipment. The social side of our meetings are also important because some of our members live alone.”

Stockton Blind People's Voice

Above: Members enjoying a day out in York

The mission of Stockton Blind People’s Voice is to achieve equality of access for blind and visually impaired people thereby improving the quality of their lives by creating greater independence. The group is unique amongst organisations in that it is run by the blind for the blind. The group received a £5,000 grant, £1,900 of which was from the BPI Fund, to contribute towards staffing costs, to enable their valuable work to continue.