£8,000 boost for quartet of community groups

Four deserving South Yorkshire community groups have each received a share of £8,000 at a special social value event.

Barnsley-based Help 4 Homeless Veterans, Worth Unlimited Doncaster, Rotherham organisation Better Today, and Sheffield charity In2Change, were awarded £2,000 each at the South Yorkshire’s Giving Network (SYGN) Annual Achievement Showcase.

Hosted by Henry Boot at the company’s Sheffield city centre headquarters, the SYGN event brought together businesses and individuals passionate about supporting grassroots organisations and delivering impactful social value projects across the region.

SYGN networkers contribute to a Giving Network Distribution Fund. At the end of each year they vote on how these funds are allocated and which projects to support based on the local needs of South Yorkshire communities.

Worth Unlimited Doncaster is a charity and social enterprise dedicated to inspiring hope and supporting young people to build stronger communities. Its work spans school-based mentoring, detached youth work, counselling, cooking classes and personal development programmes.

Carol Parker-Cowan, Doncaster Branch Director, said:

We are absolutely delighted to receive this funding from SYGN. We are small team and rely on the support of volunteers so this money will enable us to deepen our work with young people and help them build confidence, resilience and a positive future.

 

Better Today is a community interest company supporting people through mental health challenges, addiction recovery and suicide awareness with daily sessions, motivational content and Q&A support on social media.

John Leaver, Lead Project Coordinator, said:

A huge thank you to South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation for their continued support in what we do. We were founded in response to the devastation caused by addiction, mental health challenges and suicide. This funding will help us continue delivering vital support and making a real difference.

 

Michelle Dickinson, Head of Philanthropy and Programmes at South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, said:

SYGN brings businesses and community groups together to create meaningful social value across South Yorkshire. Over the past year, we’ve distributed grants, facilitated vocational and partnership opportunities, revitalised local services and hosted over 100 individuals at our events.

Members have also been involved in key initiatives, such as the Gulliver’s Valley Christmas Event supporting prisoner families, and intercultural pathways workshops with Sheffield Hallam University. It’s a real testament to what can be achieved when businesses and communities collaborate for the greater good.

 

SYGN members include Barnsley College, Henry Boot, AESSEAL, Keepmoat Homes and Castle Square Corporate Finance.