Life-changing local organisations receive grants to continue great work
Eight organisations are receiving grants totalling almost £80,000 to continue to support hundreds of local residents.
The Braintree District and Eastlight Community Fund was set up in 2015 by Braintree District Council and Eastlight Community Homes with the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF).
These latest grants, building on more than £1 million already awarded to a host of local causes, are set to make a huge impact to organisations who support communities in the Braintree District.
Action for Family Carers is receiving £20,000 to help keep their Young Carers Club in Witham running. Young Carers Service Manager, Jo Hotten, said:
“One in five school children are estimated to be young carers. They take on demanding responsibilities normally expected of an adult, which can be hugely worrying and stressful.
“Our Witham Young Carers Club enables around 25 young carers per year to take a much-needed break from caring, to make new friends with other local young carers, and to simply have fun! We couldn't do this without your support.”
CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) will receive £20,000 to continue to provide specialist sexual violence counselling for around 170 adults and young people for the next two years.” Helen Parr, Chief Executive Officer, said:
“This is the fourth multi-year grant CARA has received from the fund, and we very much appreciate this continued support for our work – we are so pleased; thank you.”
Popcorn will receive £2,500 to help continue to support young people to build their confidence and connect with their peers. Chief Executive, Paulina Kostas, said:
“Every time we receive positive news about a funding application, it feels like someone just gave us a high-five! It's a reminder that we’re on the right path. With your continued support, we can keep creating the most inclusive, creative, and supportive community for young adults in Essex. Thank you!”
Other local organisations supported by the fund include:
- Friends of Cressing Temple – 2,750
- Sunnydays Baby and Toddler Group CIC - £2,250
- Dance Network Association - £10,000
- Happy Hill Essex CIO - £14,047
- Braintree Rethink Art & Social Group - £8,000
Eastlight resident and member of the Braintree District and Eastlight Community Fund panel, Craig Clackett, said: “I think it’s really important to support organisations that are here for local people, and to help them grow. They’ve supported me in the past, and now I can give something back and support them.”
Cllr Mary Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: "There are many great community resources in the district that provide essential services, and I am pleased grants such as these can allow them to continue this great work.”
Andy Payne Worpole, Director of Policy and Programmes at Essex Community Foundation, said: “This is a significant amount of funding that will be of huge benefit to local charities in Braintree District, especially at a time when many are struggling to balance the rise in demand for their services alongside increased running costs.
“We are pleased to work with Eastlight Community Homes and Braintree District Council, building on the strong partnership that we have built over many years, and helping them to identify and support local organisations that are making such a difference to the lives of local people.”
To find out more about the Fund, visit www.essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk or call 01245 356018.
