Colchester Borough Homes gives funding boost to local community groups

Colchester Borough Homes has awarded £18,739.75 from its 2025 Community Initiative Fund to 13 local schemes supporting wellbeing and hardship, with the largest grant of £6,000 going to Signpost Colchester.

Colchester Borough Homes has announced the successful applicants for the second round of its 2025 Community Initiative Fund. A total of £18,739.75 will be shared between 13 local schemes. The fund supports projects that strengthen communities, address hardship and promote wellbeing. Applications were assessed by a panel of involved tenants. Awards and recipients: - £18,739.75 awarded across 13 schemes from CBH's 2025 Community Initiative Fund. - Signpost Colchester received £6,000 to run a community programme supporting those most affected by the cost-of-living crisis. - North Essex Support Team got £2,000 for Christmas hampers; Homestart Colchester received £1,000 for a festive event for vulnerable families. - Greenstead Community Centre was awarded £1,585 for a Christmas event, pantry supplies and a community day trip; Connie's Kitchen received £1,500 for a Youth Empowerment Programme. - Unity Academy received £1,500 for inspirational food education for vulnerable families; Citizens Advice received £1,000 to run a monthly law clinic offering family and child legal advice; St Anne's Youth Club was awarded £1,200 to provide hot meals for children at the centre. - Smaller grants included Mid and North East Essex Mind (£500) for mental health toolkit workshops, Miranda Walk Wellness Garden (£300) for community gardening and food education, Little Explorers (£500) for an educational trip, African Families in UK (£1,000) for a parents and carers group, and Open Road Visions (£654.75) for "fresh start" essentials packs. Summary: The awards fund a mix of community events, food and legal support, mental health workshops and practical help for families and individuals across Colchester. Undetermined at this time.