SLT’s Grant Giving scheme for 2025 is seeing them support the activities of seven voluntary and community groups across the borough – in partnership with Sandwell Council Voluntary Organisation (SCVO) who help facilitate the application and award process. One such beneficiary is BoxClever Mentoring and their non-contact boxing lessons for youngsters with extra social, emotional and mental health needs at St Michael’s High School in Rowley Regis. Founder Craig Jones explains: "We’re all thrilled to receive this timely £1,000 grant and cannot thank SLT enough for awarding it to us. These sessions have been so popular and there were concerns from parents and carers that they would end soon, but thanks to this influx of money we will be able to continue to deliver on a weekly basis. Our young SEN boxers will carry on reaping the benefits of highly specialised sessions they can't find elsewhere.” The other £1,000 awards went to Wednesbury Town Football Club, which works closely with the autism, LGBTQ+ and wider community; neighbouring Friar Park Millennium Centre for its Walking Football for Older Adults initiative; Warley Rugby Club to help bridge the local pathway gap between junior and senior rugby, plus Special Olympics Sandwell who provide weekly swimming lessons for those with learning/intellectual disabilities in Halesowen. West Bromwich Basketball Club - who believe that the lessons and skills learned through youth basketball are transferable into all walks of life – have been awarded £960, while community interest company ExcelR8 specialising in culturally aware and inclusive multi-sports (also based in West Brom) received £955. SLT CEO, Mark Braitwaite, says: “‘We’re delighted to be giving back to the local community by providing this small grants programme to a range of deserving groups across Sandwell. This is part of our ongoing commitment as a charity to ensure we balance our commercial aspirations and ensure sustainability, along with a strong social ethos for providing opportunities for everyone in Sandwell to enjoy a healthier and active lifestyle.” Stuart Ashmore, SCVO's Operations Manager and Deputy CEO adds:, "It's been a hugely positive partnership experience working with SLT to realise their desire to support and encourage Sandwell residents - through these funded projects - to develop and maintain good physical health and wellbeing. Community involvement in positive recreational activities is vital and we're excited to see the outcomes and impact that arise as a result".