A CONTROVERSIAL online information portal which received a quarter of a million pounds of National Lottery funding has ‘exceeded all the targets relating to the number of people becoming mentors’ according to its operators.
The Torfaen Wisdom Bank received close to £250,000, but has supported 500 individuals to date – at a cost of £499.99 per person.
The scheme was launched by The Big Lottery Fund, who initially financed the project, before it was handed over to Torfaen council.
The Big Lottery Fund and Torfaen council have issued a joint statement on the subject of the Torfaen Wisdom Bank.
The statement read “A Big Lottery Fund grant of £249,997 was made to the Torfaen Public Service Board for a two year mentoring and support network programme which included creating a web- based portal called the Wisdom Bank.
“The majority of the funding was targeted to reach specific groups including individuals aged between 45-65 age who have chronic health conditions and care leavers with mentoring and support through the new web portal as well as workshops in the community”
It continued: “The project exceeded all the targets relating to the number of people becoming mentors, and has supported 500 individuals to date.
“The project is now being taken forward by the Council who will oversee further development of the Wisdom Bank and consider how it contributes to the digital engagement of our residents in line with local priorities.
“It is no longer managed by the Big Lottery Fund,” the statement confirmed.
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