£15,000 in grants for local groups

Funding will support 44 local community groups to thrive

Local organisations have benefited from financial support from either the Borough Council, through the Borough-wide community grants scheme or the more local scheme provided by the Hedge End, West End & Botley Local Area Committee (HEWEB LAC).

Borough-wide scheme

We received 48 applications in total which was more than double the number of applications that were received last year. A total of £5,000 ranging from grants of between £250-£750 was given to 11 local groups who all provide services for local people.

Cabinet Lead for Social Policy Cllr Tina Campbell, said: “The Council is delighted to provide financial support to help empower local community groups who in turn support hundreds of local people. It is by building a strong, vibrant local community that we are able to address our key priorities of tackling health

inequalities, combating social deprivation and reducing social isolation so that all our residents have an equal opportunity to flourish.”

£10,000 awarded by the Hedge End, West End & Botley scheme

Thirty-three grants of up to £500, totalling almost £10,000, were given out to local groups to recognise and celebrate the breadth of community work being undertaken in the local area. This includes providing opportunities for children and young people, and supporting young carers, people with learning disabilities and older people.

Councillor Cynthia Garton, Chair of HEWEB LAC, said: “It’s great to present these grants, especially to people who volunteer and who give up their time to ensure that the community groups continue to thrive. I would encourage all community groups across the area to apply next year.”

Youth grants awarded

Grants to a wide range of youth groups have also been made by the LAC working with the HEWEB Youth Council.

A breakfast club for young carers, equipment for scout groups and support to help children with special educational needs to go swimming were among the bids that received funding from the Youth Grants Panel.