COMMUNITY groups have been awarded a share of a £191,000 grant from Colchester Council.

In total 13 voluntary and community groups have received a share of the council’s Voluntary Welfare Grant for 2020 to 2023.

Charities, community organisations and not-for-profit organisations were invited to submit applications for a one-off grant, covering a three-year period of between £5,000 and £30,000.

Applicants had to demonstrate how they strengthen Colchester’s communities, reduce social isolation and loneliness and help the physical and mental wellbeing of residents.

The groups awarded the cash were:

  • Colchester Citizens Advice Bureau (£30,000) 
  • Dance Network Association (£20,000)  
  • Colchester Youth Enquiry Service (£20,000) 
  • Outhouse East (£22,834) 
  • Age Concern Colchester (£15,000)  
  • Centre for Action and Rape Abuse - CARA (£20,000) 
  • Colchester Gateway (£20,000)  
  • Open Road (£10,963.76)  
  • Open Door (£10,000)  
  • Colchester CAP Debt Centre (£9,237.58) 
  • Refugee Action Colchester (£8,000) 
  • Alfie James Productions (£3,250) 
  • Hi Tension Trampoline Club (£1,714.66)

Mike Lilley, councillor responsible for communities, wellbeing and public safety, said: “It’s always incredibly difficult deciding which organisations to award the Voluntary Welfare Grant to as we received so many fantastic applications to support local community groups.

“I’d like to congratulate all 13 organisations who were successful and I’m really looking forward to seeing the great work that will take place across the borough over the coming three years as a result of this funding.”

More than £380,000 worth of requests were made to the fund.

At a funding panel meeting in January, it was agreed that the 2020/23 fund would be split between a variety of organisations.

The Voluntary Welfare Grant is just one of the projects the council provides to support vulnerable people and help to create a better Colchester. 

For more information, visit colchester.gov.uk/voluntarywelfaregrant.