Groups taking part - 1

Telford Mind

Telford Mind provides support for people experiencing mental health issues or emotional distress, as well as people undertaking caring roles.

It operates a well-being centre in Sutton Hill, which is run by both paid and voluntary staff, as well as a support cafe which is open to the general public.

Chief executive Samantha Joyce says: "We offer a warm welcome, friendship, activities and a great deal of support and help.

"There is always a trained listener on duty who is able to provide one to one support."

Within the centre, a counselling service is provided by experienced counsellors. Its Forward Mission project offers a mentoring service, supporting people in their own home, aimed at reducing their social isolation.

• 76-83 Severn Walk Sutton Hill, Telford,TF7 4AS

Horsehay Bowling Club

Based at Horsehay Village Hall, this crown green bowling club caters for bowlers of all ages, male and female.

The club competes in five different leagues and plays from April to October. It has more than 75 members.

But club secretary Steve Reeves says money is needed to improve its base and ensure bowls is a sport that is easily accessible to anybody who wants to play.

"The overall surrounding area of the green needs vast improvements, including new flower beds, re-pointing a stone wall, and the replacement of rotten window frames," he says.

"By contributing some or all the money will go along way to keep crown green bowls at Horsehay BC an affordable sport for all."

• 38 Glendale, Lawley Village, Telford, TF4 2PJ

Exotic Zoo Community Interest Company

This is a non-profit education and therapy centre for hard-to-reach and vulnerable groups in Shropshire.

Director Scott Adams says: "We use some of the most amazing and engaging animals in the world to educate children and various groups. We also provide animal-assisted therapy to a range of hard to reach and vulnerable groups, like dementia wards, children and adults with learning difficulties and much more."

The zoo has just built a giant glass dome and sensory garden, which will be used for animal-assisted therapy sessions.

Scott said: "We now desperately need to raise funds to fill the dome with sensory items and plants and trees."

The zoo also does school visits and children's parties, which aim to educate children and raise awareness about animals.

• Unit 9 Bradley Road Industrial Estate, Donnington Wood, Telford, TF2 7RG

Beanstalk Shropshire

Beanstalk is a national charity that recruits and trains people to go into local primary schools to support children who are struggling with their reading. The charity provides regular one-to-one reading support to children for a whole academic year to help them read, grow and succeed.

Volunteer support worker Anita Foster says: "There is a desperate need in Shropshire for more reading helpers to support children who are reluctant readers."

She says Cash For Your Community Funding would mean Beanstalk would be able to provide one-to-one tuition to more children.

• Beanstalk, Glebe House, Glebe St, Wellington TF1 1JP

North Shrewsbury Friendly Neighbours

Everybody needs good neighbours, and this small charity supports more than 400 elderly and vulnerable people.

Services include transport to doctors, hospital and dental appointments, as well as running errands and offering a befriending service. The charity also offers general advice and help with filling in forms and, runs a community drop-in centre.

Part-time co-ordinator Julie Thomas said grant would help with transport costs, training, running an office and telephone use. She added: "The grant would help us to continue supporting the older and more vulnerable people of North Shrewsbury."

• 67 New Park Street, Castlefields, Shrewsbury, SY1 2LE

Telford And District Light Operatic Players

Tadlop is a non-profit making charity, which aims to make theatre accessible to the community.

Committee member Sue Pointon says: "We keep our costs and ticket prices as low as possible and generally manage to just about 'break even'.

"To open doors for those who have problems attending theatres we have a team of performers who regularly visit community groups for senior citizens and support other charity events – all free of charge."

Sue says the group also puts on performances at Oakengates Theatre, and ensures that these are always accessible to wheelchair users.

She says the group would use its share of the dream fund to purchase a public address system with headset radio microphones.

• 30 St Lawrence Close, Wellington, Telford, TF1 3GB

Shropshire Rural Community Council

This charity works throughout the county on projects which seek to ensure people are not disadvantaged by living in a rural area.

Chief executive Julia Baron says: "We keep older, isolated members of the community healthy, well and independent through 'good neighbour' schemes and community-based exercise. We give family carers the chance to meet others and a break from their caring role through support and social activities.

"We help people with sensory impairment to make best use of their hearing aids, and arrange social groups for people with sight loss."

The group also works to tackle fuel poverty, helping people to understand energy efficiency measures, and provide help to enable work to be done.

The charity also operates the Wheels to Work scheme, which provides loans for pedal cycles or motor scooters.

Julia says the group works with other organisations, providing training, advice and resources to support vulnerable people in their communities.

The council promotes volunteering as a route to employment, social engagement and personal well-being. It matches people with organisations needing voluntary help.

Julia added: "A slice of the dream fund will enable us to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in Shropshire who face the biggest challenges in the current economic climate."

• 4, The Creative Quarter, Shrewsbury Business Park, SY2 6LG

Telford Hornets RFC

This rugby club caters for adults and children in the Telford area, with around 250 children who play and train twice a week and approximately 150 senior members.

At the moment it is refurbishing the clubhouse, training lights and car park in an effort to make the club more accessible all year around for the community to use.

Chairman Rob McGuire says: "The roof of the club is in need of repair, too. Anything to help our roof fund or grounds improvement fund would be much appreciated."

• Telford Hornets RFC, c/o 24 Admaston Rd, Wellington, Telford, TF1 3NE

Combat Stress

Combat Stress supports veterans and their families who are suffering from problems with their mental health.

The charity's aim is that veterans will be able to live free from the harmful effects of psychological wounds.

Fundraising officer Charlotte Harvey says: "We all know our troops do a fantastic job but unfortunately for some the reality is their service leaves a long and lasting mental scar."

Charlotte said a slice of the fund would help it continue the vital support for veterans.

• Combat Stress, Audley Court, Audley Avenue, Newport, TF10 7BP

Cressage Village Hall

The hall provides a meeting place for organisations such as the Women's Institute, Brownies and gardening club, as well as providing a location for classes.

Cressage Village Hall is also used for church social functions, as well as events run by both community organisations and private individuals. It is also the local polling station.

Chairman Daphne Skinner says maintenance is a major part of running the hall, and at the moment it is raising money for the restoration of the kitchen.

She says getting a slice of the dream fund will make a difference to keeping this vital amenity open.

• 12 Cherry Arbor, Cressage, Shropshire, SY5 6DL