AN Ellesmere Port-based charity has been boosted by a communities funding grant.

Passion for Learning is feeling optimistic about the months ahead, thanks to the grant via the Community Match Challenge initiative from Steve Morgan Foundation and the Government’s Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) funds.

Diane Clark, CEO of the charity, said: "Receiving this funding really empowers us as an organisation to do something for the families who need our support more than ever at the moment.

"We recognise the huge impact the pandemic has had on our region and want to do all that we can to make a difference for the families who need this the most.

"When schools were closed, many families struggled with the basics to help their children learn effectively at home and our work was dedicated to providing the practical resources to make this possible.

"In the coming months we have an ambitious number of projects which we will be launching to address the worst effects of the pandemic from the perspective of children’s learning and wellbeing."

Development manager Viv Couche added: "This #CommunitiesCan grant gives our communities a real opportunity to work together in new and exciting ways.

"We are seeking volunteers to help work with children in schools and also virtually, via online platforms like Zoom, to nurture their enthusiasm for learning.

"We know that having this 1:1 support and encouragement makes a huge difference to children in overcoming their barriers to learning and achieving their true potential."

Louise Parry, who leads the volunteer managers team at Passion for Learning, said: "We have been delighted at the response to our recent recruitment campaign, which highlights how many people from our local communities want to help children and young people who need this support the most.

"We can never have enough volunteers though, so we encourage anyone interested to find out what being a Passion for Learning volunteer means to please get in contact with us."

Passion for Learning’s newest recruit Sue Hughes has joined the team as education development manager.

Sue said: "Having been aware of Passion for Learning for many years I jumped at the chance to join the team.

"I am helping to develop home learning and virtual enrichment resource packs which will help families to support their children with developing the key skills they need.

"I am a firm believer in Passion for Learning’s philosophy of using the power of play to help children with learning and very excited about the way ahead.’

Diane Clark concluded: "As well as being delighted by Sue joining the team, I am equally pleased about our continued partnership with Storyhouse in the coming months.

"With the support of their skilled theatre practitioners, we will be holding drama sessions with children to tackle anxiety and help build their confidence and resilience.

"We also recognise the huge power of being outdoors for many children and will be offering as many sessions outside as possible in the coming year. From Forest School to yoga, treasure hunts to parachute games, we will be offering a huge range of activities to the children we support.

"What we can’t achieve in the school environment we will deliver with trips to places which offer huge learning opportunities to children, like the beach, the forest and much more besides."

For more information about Passion for Learning, email diane.clark@passion-for-learning.com, visit www.passion-for-learning.com or call 0151 356 8717.