Voluntary Groups to receive £100,000 funding

6/1/15

Rochford District Council is providing more than £100,000 in funding to support local voluntary sector groups.

The cash will help 20 organisations which benefit the local community in a variety of different ways, including the provision of activities for young people, older people, carers and those with disabilities.

This year, the Rochford & Rayleigh Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has been allocated £67,000 and Rayleigh, Rochford and District Association for Voluntary Service (RRAVS) allocated £15,000.

The capital funding will help support nine key projects in the Rochford District - such as purchasing equipment for the new Disability Sports Sessions being run from Stambridge Memorial Hall, where participants have been able to try their hand at sitting volleyball, boccia and table cricket. Rayleigh Age Concern will get some help towards the purchase of a new boiler, while Fairview Under 5s pre-school, in Rayleigh, will be supported with the cost of a storage shed.

Local scout and cub groups will be able to improve their Scout Huts, refurbish toilets, buy a new trailer and waterproof their tents, while Rankins Cricket Club will be purchasing a new sight screen.

Full list of projects to receive capital funding:

Rayleigh Age Concern – Towards the purchase of a new boiler

Fairview Under 5’s (pre-school in Rayleigh) – Towards the cost of a storage shed

5th Rayleigh Scout Group – Towards the cost of a new trailer

Crouch Valley District Scout Council – To refurbish external toilet and washing facilities

1st Rayleigh Scout & Cub Group – To replace sod cloths and waterproof five Icelandic tents

Rankins Cricket Club - To purchase a new sight screen

1st Hawkwell Scout Group - Towards the cost of re-wiring the scout hut and to add extra lighting

4th Rochford Scout Group - Towards the cost of a Scout Hall extension

Stambridge Memorial Hall - To purchase equipment for Disability Sports project

The funding will also help other vital organisations run their day-to-day services; these are The Peaceful Place, Great Wakering Summer Playscheme, Supporting Carers and Families Together, DIAL Basildon & South Essex, Basildon Women’s Aid, Barling Magna Evergreens, Active Rochford, Southend Achievement Through Football, Hockley & Hawkwell 55+ Centre.

Just over £7,000 was left unallocated from the capital funding pot so we will be inviting applications for this remaining funding in the New Year.

Cllr Jo McPherson, Rochford District Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Community, said: “I am delighted that, despite cuts to our grant from Central Government, we have been able to provide support to our local voluntary sector groups. These organisations truly make a difference to the lives of residents from right across the Rochford District, and they are deserving of our support. The funding that we are making available will not only help them to carry on with their day-to-day services, but also take on some key projects which may otherwise have been difficult to get off the ground. This will enable them to offer activities for young people, improve local facilities and help the most vulnerable in our communities.”

The Chairman of Stambridge Parish Council, George Ioannou, said: “This grant will benefit the Disability Sports initiative across Rochford District with the purchase of specialised equipment. The weekly sessions staged at Stambridge Memorial Hall will ensure individuals of all age groups with various disabilities have a structured facility to enjoy the sporting engagement and social aspect of future events”. 

If you are a voluntary organisation and would like to apply for the remaining capital funding for an upcoming project please contact Andrew Lowing, Strategic Partnership Officer, on 01702 318061 or email andrew.lowing@rochford.gov.uk