Nine community groups have been awarded a total of £5,000 by the council’s Wellbeing grant fund to develop the fantastic work they do within the district.
With men’s mental health a growing concern, the panel were delighted to be able to support three local groups who have this at the heart of their work.
Littlehampton-based Andy’s Man Club, which supports men with mental health issues from across the district, was awarded £832 to help get the group established. Men in Sheds Littlehampton East received £500 to buy a much-needed bandsaw for their workshop and Men Walk Talk, which raises awareness of men’s mental health issues, received £375 to promote their service.
Other recipients were Adapts Hub CIC, which also has a focus on mental health, with a £250 grant to fund IT equipment and peer support training.
As so many people in the community have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, it was decided to add projects that support recovery to the Wellbeing priorities this year.
Grants were awarded to five organisations who the panel felt addressed a recovery need or reduced isolation.
Littlehampton Community Fridge received £500 towards setting up a café to enhance the great work it has done in saving nearly 200 tonnes of food going to waste since it was set up in 2019. The Rotary Club of Bognor Regis received £400 to make Christmas a happier time for eight families living on a low income, whilst dealing with other issues too.
All Saints Church in Wick received £950 to pay for a licence to put on a free film club and the Creative Heart community hub and arts café in Littlehampton was given £500 to run cookery classes for widowers. Aldwick and Pagham Scout Group received £693 to pay for robust bell tents to allow them to camp out in any season.
Councillor Jacky Pendleton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Chair of the Residential and Wellbeing Services Committee, said: “We had some very strong applications, so we’re delighted to be able to support the worthy organisations chosen with grant funding towards a range of inspiring projects. They might be small grants, but they will make a huge difference to these hard-working voluntary and community groups which improve people’s lives and bolster the wellbeing of our communities – invaluable during difficult times such as these as we continue to navigate our way through the pandemic.”
The Small Grants Awards are given to organisations that promote one or more of the Arun Wellbeing priorities.
The priorities are keeping people active and reducing social isolation, with Covid-19 recovery being included this year.
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