GROUPS SUPPORTED BY CATALYST GRANTS 2002

The 1 year pilot programme for Catalyst Grants was a major focus for Amethyst in 2002. Some of ten projects which were funded in the Dales and High Peak undertook follow-on activities, as listed below.

FARM SECRETARY FOCUS.
The grant enabled a group of women with an interest in farming to get together and hold training sessions towards gaining the skills and qualifications which will make this a viable employment option for them, or just make life on the farm a bit easier. Follow on sessions are planned and work to set up an accredited course locally is ongoing. Contact Mary Anderson on 01433 621822 for up to date information on sessions and progress.

RURAL OFFICE ANGELS. A feasibility study into the need for office support services to community and voluntary organisations showed that there is a demand for this service. Janet is now working with Sally to draw together a group of women interested in setting up an agency which can help to develop work opportunities in office support for its members. Contact Janet Smith care of the Amethyst Project, or Sally Cox.

SWEEP: Supporting Women developing their Employment and Education Potential. Based in Tideswell, the group's first activities were a series of facilitated sessions to analyse and develop skills, build confidence and identify employment opportunities. The results were positive for the participants who will continue to meet monthly.
Contact Jennifer Bower on 01298 871139.

TIDESWELL AND DISTRICT TOY LIBRARY. A Catalyst grant helped to equip and establish this facility in Tideswell, aiming to empower parents to provide positive play and learning opportunities for children of all ages, providing toys and equipment on loan to individuals and organisations. Contact Rebecca Howell on 01298 871741.

MCQUEEN HOME COOKED FOODS. Catalyst provided a start-up grant to buy specialist and catering sized equipment for this one-woman business producing food for specific dietary needs, especially coeliac [wheat intolerance]. The demand has proved to be huge: already there are 2 other part-time employees. Contact Vicky McQueen on 01629 650456.

SECRET VOICES. To develop a group for women to meet regularly, mainly to sing and to encourage creative self expression. It provided a safe place to explore their voices and they worked towards a performance and recordings. It is planned to continue, but this is on hold due to illness. Contact Judith Higgins care of the Amethyst Project.

WIFE: Women In Farming Enterprise. A networking event was held in October and a directory has been produced and circulated. For information about an event in mid March 'Marketing Your Rural Business' contact Pennie Barker on 01335 390758.

FLAMENCO IN BEELEY.
This is now run as an Adult Education class. Contact Siobhan Spencer on 01629 734805.

HOMEOPATH: Ann McNeill, a newly qualified homeopath, was given a grant to help her set up in business. She plans to focus on parents and young children, and will take steps to improve access to complementary medicine for those categories and for people on low income.

THE TUESDAY GROUP. For over two years this was a lifeline for some very isolated women, and provided some excellent topics and speakers as well as a creche, has sadly ceased to exist. Congratulations and thanks to all who made it such a success.

 

 

 

The Amethyst Advisory Group.
A feature of the Catalyst Grants programme was a local grants assessment panel, which was set up following an open meeting. The members underwent training, and made the decisions on the grant applications.. The Panel members now form the core of the Amethyst Advisory Group, and more women have joined. The group will meet regularly to discuss and direct Amethyst, including the allocation of funding to groups and projects. The group is open to women involved in the project - contact Mary at the Amethyst Project to find out more.

Catalyst Grants