Big boost for good causes

Good causes across the District have benefited to the tune of £18,000 in just one month thanks to Blaby District Council’s Community Grants Scheme.

During the first round of the 2024-25 scheme awards were given to 12 local groups, charities and sports clubs to either improve their facilities or help deliver services to the community.

Funds went towards projects as diverse as solar battery storage, new gazebos, room refurbishments, coaching costs and purchasing children’s pyjamas.

The next round of grants is now open with a deadline of 5pm on Friday 27 September. As we are heading towards autumn, applications in this round will be accepted from organisations needing financial support to host Warm Spaces during the colder months.

Councillor Cheryl Cashmore, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Health, Leisure, Climate and Economic Development, said: "We received so many great applications during my first grant panel as Portfolio Holder. I’m delighted we were able to fund a real variety of projects - from solar power battery storage that will enable Countesthorpe Cricket Club to shift to renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions, to purchasing yarn for a knitting group to create charitable items.

"We are keen to reach even more groups from across our District, particularly those that perhaps haven’t heard about the scheme or thought to apply before. If you are an eligible organisation and you have an idea for a project that will help the local community but which needs funding to make it a reality, our Funding and Awards Officer is only too happy to have a chat with you. There is also lots of useful information on our website to guide you through the scheme, so if you are involved in running a community group, I’d really encourage you to take a look."

One of the groups which has benefited from the grants scheme is The Friday Social at Braunstone Town. It was originally set up as a Warm Space during winter 2022-23 to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents struggling with high energy costs or feelings of isolation.

The sessions became so popular the regulars wanted to keep on meeting beyond the winter months. However, the group needed financial help with room hire, refreshment and insurance costs to be able to continue. They applied to the grants scheme and received a £1,000 Revenue Grant in June 2023 to do just that.  

Lin Burrows, Chairman of the Friday Social, said: "The grant scheme has been an amazing help to us. We would never have been able to carry on this long without the money kindly given by Blaby District Council. We have been able to offer a meeting place for so many isolated people, to give them a chance to learn new crafts or skills, or just to sit and chat, play games or read a paper or book."

For more information or to join the group contact: editor@braunstonelife.co.uk

• Our Funding and Awards Officer is running two online information sessions about the grants scheme for any interested groups. The first of these is on Thursday 1 August from 5pm to 6pm 
• Details of how to join the sessions, as well the full eligibility criteria and guidance notes, can be found at Community Grants
• The next deadline for applications is Friday 27 September at 5pm  

Councillor Cheryl Cashmore
Portfolio Holder for Health, Leisure, Climate and Economic Development