The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is an independent grant making body registered with the Charity Commissioners and dedicated exclusively to the regeneration of our coalfield communities. The Trust was set up in 1999 in response to the Government’s Coalfields Task Force Report. The report highlighted the dramatic effects that mine closures had – and continue to have – on communities in coalfield areas. In some coalfield areas the report highlighted that mining had been the predominant industry and that two thirds of employment had been lost with devastating effect on the local economy and community.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust provides advice, support and financial assistance to community and voluntary organisations who are working hard to tackle problems at grass-roots level. A key feature of the Trust is that it is closely connected with the areas it serves, operating through a network of dedicated staff, based at offices located within coalfield regions themselves. Uniquely, this network enables the Trust to bring an intimate knowledge of the issues faced by local communities to its work. The local office in Rotherham is located at Silkstone House, Wath.

Since the Trust’s launch, hundreds of projects have received support, making a real difference to people’s lives. Priorities for funding are focused around: increasing employment opportunities; removing barriers to access to financial services; tackling high levels of crime, drug-abuse and teenage pregnancy; improving health and well-being and addressing low levels of educational achievement, all in the coalfield area. The Trust is currently extending its work, developing new programmes and supporting the work of existing groups. For more information you can visit www.coalfields-regen.org.uk.

Further information about projects supported by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust Fund in Rotherham is available from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust. Contact Andy Lock, Regeneration Manager

Telephone: 01709 765 599
E.mail: andy@coalfield-regen.org.uk