ALMOST £100,000 has been donated to important community organisations in Halstead, Braintree, Maldon and beyond – now the organisations have shared what they plan to do with it.
Braintree Council and Eastlight Community Homes housing association have donated a total £95,275 to ten different organisations across the county after utilising a fund set up in 2015.
After the grant handover in October 2023, it has been revealed what the financial support is being spent on.
Halstead Community Shed, a project which aims to combat loneliness and mental health issues in Halstead, received £20,000.
The money will be used to transform Fenn Road’s old St John Ambulance Station into a health and wellbeing hub after the group purchased it.
Maldon-based Mental health charity Heads2Minds will receive £20,000 over three years to deliver emotional wellbeing workshops in primary schools across the district.
The Salvation Army Housing Association will use its £19,000 to set up two peer support groups for young people that are neuro-diverse, part of the LGBT+ community, and at risk of being homeless.
A family support organisation called Home-Start Essex will use the £26,000 grant to set up family wellbeing group over the next two years.
The non-profit organisation Ferriers Barn will use its £700 to set up exercise classes for their members to support their physical and mental health.
The 4th Braintree Scout Group will use a £1,000 donation to buy new tents.
Alongside this £2,430 was donated to the Empire Theatre Trust in Halstead, £2,025 to Braintree Youth Project Charity, £1,000 to the Majendie-Trinity Explorer Scouts, and £3,120 to the Tabor Centre, in Braintree.
James Green, Eastlight’s community investment director, is happy to help so many different organisations.
He said: “Throughout our communities, local organisations have a huge impact on the lives of residents across the Braintree district.
“We’re proud to be able to support ten fantastic groups with the Braintree District and Eastlight Community Fund and help them to continue making a real difference.”
Councillor Mary Cunningham, cabinet member for stronger communities at Braintree Council shared the sentiment.
She said: “There are many community groups and projects that provide a vital lifeline to residents in the Braintree district.
“Funding such as this allows them to continue to provide and grow their services to those who need them. It’s particularly important to support our voluntary and community sector as we face the increasing cost of living.”
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