UTASS

UTASS were awarded three grants from CDF from the Countryside Relief Fund

UTASS started work in May 2000 with the explicit aim of reducing rural stress. They achieve this by assisting the communities of Upper Teesdale come to terms with the rapid changes taking place in agriculture, through the provision of practical advice, information and training. When Foot and Mouth disease struck in early 2001, the demands on their services increased by over 4000% and their resources were quickly exhausted. Through the Countryside Relief fund, administered by County Durham Foundation using matched funding from the Countryside Agency, UTASS received a number of significant contributions to help them continue their vital work. As well as providing administrative support to help with the increased workload, the group also ran re-training courses for farmers on IT and health and safety. The project has now become independent and is seeking funding to continue its vital work supporting the farming community of Teesdale.

A local GP summoned up the work of UTASS as follows, “It is my very strongly held opinion that the contribution made by UTASS to the mental well being of those of us who live in the Upper Dale has been great. They have managed to reduce the fears and uncertainties that would otherwise have made life intolerable for many farmers this year”.

In March 2002, when the immediate crisis was over, Diane Spark, UTASS Project Manager said,

“If it had not been for County Durham Foundation, UTASS would not now exist”.

£3000.00 on the 04/09/2001. Emergency hardship grants to support the day-to-day running of a farm due to illness or stress related conditions caused as a direct result of the Foot and Mouth epidemic.

Achievements and Outcomes

• An emergency hardship facility was created, which enabled UTASS to ease the pressure on the community should the worst scenario materialise.
  
• The project enhanced and strengthened their reputation, image and services thus building trust and confidence in the community further.
  
• The establishment of a locum support through a list of local people willing, able and qualified to help to assist in emergency situations fostering self-help and good community cohesion work.
  
• 228 farmers and their families benefited from the use of this grant.
  
• The locum support project led to the development of a shearing list and general awareness raising of the benefits of cooperative working.

£6300.00 on the 04/09/2001. Stop-gap funding to allow the project to cope with increased demand resulting from the Foot and Mouth epidemic.

Achievements and Outcomes

• The grant contributed to existing UTASS staff being ‘freed-up’ to provide a specialist support service in the community dealing with Foot and Mouth disease issues at an intense time.
  
• Existing UTASS staff were aided to locate and apply to appropriate funders therefore extending the future of the UTASS project to the whole community.
  
• Hundreds of people were assisted on a daily basis as well as improving the effectiveness of the UTASS office systems.
  
• Approximately 350 men, low-income famines and the people in the wider community benefited from this grant.

£4200.00 on the 19/02/2002. Contribution towards training for the community members and UTASS management committee.

Achievements and Outcomes

• 67 local people were trained, their confidence was boosted and skills enhanced. The training heightened their interested and whetted their appetite for UTASS.
  
• The training left the management committee well informed and prepared for their role.
  
• The grant was also used to perform an organisation health check, which gave UTASS options and directions for the future.
  
• Approximately 75 people benefited from this grant.