Learning Disabilities Innovation Fund – a new way of thinking about grants

By Vanessa  John, Third Sector Support Manager at Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services. 

Pembrokeshire Associationof Voluntary Services (PAVS) has always had a strong reputation for administering grant schemes to benefit local voluntary groups. Usually run by the traditional process of written applications being assessed by a panel.

Then in 2021 something different happened. With funding from Welsh Government, it was proposed that there must be a different way of delivering services for people with learning disabilities in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.   

An innovative grant scheme was developed, completely co-produced with people with learning disabilities, with the West Wales Learning Disabilities Charter at its heart.

The grant priorities are:

• All projects have to be co-devised, produced and delivered by people with learning disabilities
• All projects need to be innovative
• All projects need to specifically take forward the aims of the LD Charter.

PAVS as the administrative lead, worked with Pembrokeshire People First ( an independent charity run by and for people with learning disabilities www.pembrokeshirepeople1st.org.uk) and the Dream Team ( a group of people with LD who represent people with LD) to develop the grant scheme.  

So, what has been different?  

• Everything was written in easy-to-read format…and in Welsh
• All applications had to be submitted in easy read – a challenge for some organisations
• A short film was required to highlight the need for the project, and that people with LD were involved 
• All the funding decisions were made by the Dream Team panel (who had received training about sitting on a grant panel)
• Covid restrictions have meant the entire process has been held virtually – a steep learning curve for everyone!

All the funding decisions were made by the Dream Team panel (who had received training about sitting on a grant panel)

Covid restrictions meant the entire process was held virtually – a steep learning curve for everyone!

The result

Twelve projects were funded across the region to run innovative projects to support people with LD, such as easy to read bus timetables; bespoke fitness classes; setting up a shop; IT kit and creative productions such as these.

Take 10 minutes to view these short films – guaranteed to make you smile:

Arts Care -  ‘Cabaret’ - https://youtu.be/V-nyxsWgX5A 

WOW Film Festival  - ‘Tweet Us Equally’ - https://youtu.be/99hSGLSPrA4

What’s happening next

• We are producing a Toolkit, so we can share what we have done
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• Other funders and local authorities are interested in delivering their funding in such a co-produced way
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• The second round of the fund has just happened, so watch this space for more fabulous co-produced projects.

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