THE public can help shape the future of a range of community projects across Dudley borough at a funding event tomorrow (Saturday, April 29).

Community groups have put forward ideas which need support from Dudley Council and local residents are being invited to have their say as part of the Make it Happen initiative.

The audience at the event, taking place at DY1, in Stafford Street, Dudley, will decide which of the 11 ideas they would like to support the most.

Ideas include arts and crafts for parents and carers, turning unloved land into a wildflower garden, rowing for disabled people and Dudley’s first silent disco for people with autism.

The event will also help to connect people who have similar interests and ideas to help build on the projects and work they do in their neighbourhoods.

Deb Harkins, chief officer for health and wellbeing at Dudley Council, said: “We are always looking to do more to empower communities to help themselves.

“This is just one way we can provide advice, support and funding to help groups have a massive impact on their communities.”

Up to £20,000 has been set aside to support community-led projects, while information on alternative sources of funding, such as the council’s community forum grants, Active Citizens funding through the police, and grass-roots micro-funding projects such as Dudley SOUP, will also be available at the event.

People are invited to get involved from 9.30am, but places at the event, which the council hopes will also allow people to network with other community groups to share ideas and projects to help improve communities across the borough, must be booked in advance.

For more information about the event, or to book a place, visit mih.eventbrite.co.uk, or call Donna Roberts on 07814 292442.