Cash boost for charity - thanks to NatWest grant

A charity in Swindon, that helps adults with learning difficulties, has been shortlisted as one of thirty-eight good causes across the UK to receive a grant of up to £35K as part of the NatWest Skills and Opportunities Fund. Swindon Advocacy Movement will use the grant to deliver its Money Matters project, which aims to help people with learning disabilities to have a better understanding of money. The project will teach them about budgets, show them how to handle money and save for the future, and explain how banks work and how to use them. Since its launch, the NatWest Skills & Opportunities Fund has benefitted more than 68,700 people in England and Wales; including helping to create over 1,200 jobs and over 820 new businesses, as well as supporting people to achieve more than 8,940 qualifications. In the most recent round of grants, nearly 450 organisations submitted applications, with the general public voting on a final shortlist of 77. Over 18,000 people took part in the vote with Groundwork Wales one of the good causes to The fund is a central part of NatWest’s community programme, which works with local communities to support sustainable social and economic development. Chris Preston, Chair of the NatWest South West Regional Board, said: “Swindon Advocacy Movement’s project is a shinning example of a community-inspired organisation working to provide opportunities for those in need or from disadvantaged backgrounds. We want to help build better communities for everyone, which is why NatWest is proud to support initiatives and projects like this through our Skills and Opportunities Fund. We look forward to learning more about the success of Swindon Advocacy Movement and the people it helps throughout the course of the project and beyond.”