Communities across East Hampshire are benefiting from £322k in funding thanks to our Supporting Communities Fund (SCF)
East Hampshire District Council has given grants to 19 separate projects, who applied for funding through the SCF bidding process, to provide essential services for residents.
That's over £320,000 of grants which have been awarded to community groups and organisations across the district in the last twelve months.
A new play park in Rowlands Castle, refurbishments to a youth club in Alton and a historical garden in Clanfield were just some of the fantastic new community projects to be picked to receive financial support from East Hampshire’s SCF fund.
EHDC is committed to supporting and improving the welfare and wellbeing of our residents, particularly for those who may be struggling. Each year groups and organisations can bid for a share to fund projects to benefit the local community.
Councillor Adeel Shah, EHDC’s portfolio-holder for Community Development & Engagement, said:
“Since introducing SCF in 2019 many local communities across the district have benefitted from thousands of pounds of investment in hundreds of projects.
"Our voluntary groups and charities do so much vital work in our communities that helps to make East Hampshire such an amazing place to live.
"We want to help local groups however we can and the Supporting Community Fund is a great way of doing that.
“We are contributing funding to a dozens of projects across the district, which will improve the lives of residents. It’s so wonderful to see the real benefits these grants deliver.”
The council agreed £322,166.20 of SCF funding in 2023 to support the following projects:
Love4Life – £15,000 for reducing isolation and supporting mental health of people with learning disabilities.
Petersfield Community Events CIC – £30,000 for spring, summer and Christmas festivals.
Flip Theatre Workshop Ltd – £29,400 for inclusive drama therapy workshops for primary aged children to give them vital life skills
Rowlands Castle Parish Council – £25,000 for Recreation Ground Play park replacement
Petersfield Community Garden – £12,000 for circular eco shelter with green roof
Pathways to Resilience – £28,623 a programme to give children and young people the tools to help them cope in times of stress, anxiety and overwhelm
The Kings Arms Youth Project (Alton) – £3,752.50 for improvements to the insulation and flood prevention.
Headley Parish Council – £10,000 for the development of new infrastructure including new changing room provision and community sports facilities.
Petersfield Community Radio (Shine Radio) – £10,089.00 for the purchase and installation of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) equipment.
Petersfield Counselling Service – £20,000 for counselling services.
Petersfield Cricket Club – £7,000 to update the Heath Ground's outdoor net lanes.
Headway Portsmouth & Southeast – £13,805 to support to adults who have acquired a brain injury, and their carers and family members.
Butser Ancient Farm – £28,000 maintenance of the Ancient Heritage Gardens.
Four Marks Tennis Club – £15,000 for the resurface of the tennis courts.
Project 94 – £30,000 for youth hub sessions for 11-16 year olds.
C M Foundation – £25,496.70 for courses to older people to give them the skills they need to safely get online and use digital technology.
Greatham Parish Council – £19,000 for a new Greatham village playground.
Hollywater School – £10,000 to purchase a new accessible mini bus.
Read about some of the great projects in our SCF newsletter
Our priorities – Supporting Communities Fund
The Supporting Communities Fund is a £1million grant fund launched by East Hampshire District Council in 2019, which provides funding for community groups and organisations in the district.
These awards are instrumental for delivering on key priorities in our welfare strategy – delivering physical and mental wellbeing, and improving community connectivity and sense of place.
The Supporting Communities Fund (SCF) will begin its sixth round of funding in spring 2024.