Leading Shropshire construction company Pave-Aways Ltd has launched a new Community Grant Fund to help improve employment prospects for young people and adults in Wellington.
The £15,000 fund has been created in partnership with Shropshire Community Foundation and is part of Pave-Aways’ commitment to giving back to the communities where it works. We are currently working with Telford & Wrekin Council on the refurbishment of several historic buildings in Wellington town centre, including the transformation of the iconic Wellington Market and the former YMCA building on Walker Street.
Now, through this new grant scheme, voluntary and community organisations in and around Wellington can apply for grants of £500 to £2,500 to deliver projects that support unemployed adults and NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) young people aged 18–25.
The fund is designed to support innovative initiatives that use sport or physical activity to improve employability skills, offer training and mentoring to prepare individuals for sustainable employment, assist with job-readiness schemes, and promote social integration, confidence-building, and overall well-being.
Managing Director Steven Owen said the fund was a meaningful way for Pave-Aways to invest in the people of Wellington:
Supporting the communities where we live and work has always been at the heart of what we do. This fund is a natural extension of our commitment to Telford and to Wellington in particular. It’s a way for us to give back with purpose, creating real, long-term impact beyond the projects we deliver.
The grant is aimed at voluntary and community groups, registered charities, social enterprises, or Community Interest Companies (CICs) with a proven track record of supporting NEETs or long-term unemployed people. Projects must be completed within 12 months of funding and demonstrate clear outcomes around employment, confidence, and community engagement.
Sonia Roberts of the Shropshire Community Foundation said the scheme addresses a pressing local need:
Wellington faces real economic challenges, including one of the highest NEET rates in the region. Deprivation, poor transport links and low skills continue to marginalise many residents, so the need for focused support is greater than ever. We’re proud to work with Pave-Aways to support local organisations that are helping young people and adults take steps towards employment and a better future.
Applications open on 19 May 2025 and must be submitted by 23 June 2025.
Organisations interested in applying should prepare a project plan that includes:
- A clear timeline and key milestones
- Target beneficiaries and how they’ll be engaged
- Eligibility checks to confirm participants are NEET or unemployed Wellington residents
- Budget breakdown and expected impact
Read more about the process and apply here!