£80k funding given to local communities this year

Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) and Gloucestershire County Council have allocated a total of £80k to 42 local community groups and voluntary sector agencies thanks to two funding pots.

£30k of Community Pride funding (an annual funding pot from CBC which has distributed £170k over the last six years) has been assigned to 15 projects that build up community pride and enable local groups to better support their communities and improve their neighbourhoods.

In addition, £50k of Community Resilience Fund money, provided by Gloucestershire County Council, has been distributed to continue the response efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting those who continue to help our communities get back on their feet.

Cllr Rowena Hay, leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “I’m so pleased that we have been able to continue to support countless numbers of community based groups who are still tackling the impacts of the pandemic head on. Our communities are supported, and made more resilient, thanks to these groups who are critical to Cheltenham residents.”

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, continued: “The impact that the pandemic has had on our most vulnerable cannot be underestimated, and the continued impacts of the restrictions have kept this sharply in focus. Councils will continue to play instrumental roles in recovery efforts and it’s good news to hear the money has now been allocated.”

Quotes from organisations who have received funding:

“The resilience fund was instrumental in getting Annecy Gardens back into shape in rapid time. We used the money on plants and compost to revive six demonstration vegetable plots that had become thoroughly overgrown by weeds during last year's lock down. Members of the public have commented on how well the garden has recovered.” Vision 21, £500

“@The Rock is grateful for the ongoing support received from Cheltenham Borough Council. This has been invaluable in providing equipment and training for our staff during the pandemic to help us enhance our provision for young people at this time and ongoing into the future.” @The Rock, £1,800.

“The grant will make a huge difference to the work of the charity as it will enable us to refurbish and upgrade old laptops and distribute them to community organisations and help bridge the digital divide locally in Cheltenham.” IT Schools Africa, £2,500.

“The artists of Cheltenham Open Studios would like to say a big thank you to Cheltenham Borough Council for its resilience fund award. With many artists having not been able to run workshops or show and sell their work, during the pandemic, they’ve felt completely isolated. This support has been invaluable in helping us regroup for our big COS21 relaunch event in September. In addition to inviting the public into homes and studios, once again, the money has also enabled us to take art out to the public, including the creation of a family-friendly art trail in Pittville Park.” Cheltenham Open Studios, £2,000.

Examples of Community Resilience Fund Grants:

£3,000 granted to Family Space in Hesters Way to provide emergency food vouchers and support costs for running the project.

£1,584 granted to the Battledown Friends Group to support children experiencing limited language to express their feelings and needs.

£1,800 granted to The Rock to provide mental health first aid training for their youth workers.

£2000 granted to North and West Gloucestershire Citizens Advice to create two covid-19 compliant interview spaces and reception in Cheltenham.

Examples of Community Pride grants:

£4,000 granted to Cheltenham Saracens to create an all-weather play area for local groups to use.

£800 granted to the Friends of Montpellier Bandstand and Gardens to support their picnic in the park event.

£682.25 granted to Friends of Pittville to replace Pittville Park Heritage information boards.

£2,500 granted to Prestbury Parish Council to create a sensory garden.

For further guidance or advice on other local support, please contact community services.

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Previous Cheltenham grant funding details can be found at www.cheltenham.gov.uk/community-grants.