Eight locally-led projects designed to offer people new skills and new opportunities have been awarded more than £5 million funding as part of the Government’s plans to level up communities.

These include skills training for those impacted by the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic and projects to close gaps in support for key groups such as the over 50s and those with a history of offending.

The West Midlands Combined Authority, working in partnership with local councils and community groups, had submitted the bids to the Government’s Community Renewal Fund. Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said:

“I am absolutely delighted that the West Midlands has secured yet more multi-million pound funding from Government to help us level up and recover from the pandemic.

“Whether it is providing young people with digital skills to secure those well-paid jobs that are out there, or targeting help to those left behind to help them achieve their true potential, this cash will make a real difference to the lives of people right across the region.

“A huge thank you and congratulations must go to those groups and partner organisations who have worked with us on their successful bids, and I am really looking forward to seeing these projects now come to life.”

The projects awarded funding include £849,837 to Sandwell Council for the Black Country 50 plus partnership to plug gaps in support for residents aged 50 and over. £506,113 for the Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council for its Black Country Talent Match to provide mentoring, advice, skills training and support for local young people with a background of offending