Agenda item

Report of the Assistant Director (Leisure, Community and Cultural Services) detailing the applications for Small Community Grants.

Report of the Assistant Director (Leisure, Community and Cultural Services) detailing the applications for Small Community Grants.

 

There was £50,000 available annually to support projects that make a positive impact on the community through the small grants process.

 

This was the second round of funding for the Small Community Grants for 2022/23.  The first round of funding took place in June 2022 when the Grants Board awarded a total of £19,086.54. The balance of £30,913.46 was available to be distributed during round two of the Small Community Grants fund.

 

In total £35,941.80 had been applied for in this round of funding for the Small Community Grant Applications.

 

In addition, a further £20,000 had been made available through the UK Shared Prosperity fund for the financial year 2022/23. Members noted that the money must be spent in the financial year 2022/23.

 

This takes the grant pot available to £50,193.46 to support these applications.

 

Members asked if the money left over could be rolled over to the next financial year. Officers stated that the money can be ring-fenced for 2023/24 into the Community Partnership Fund budget. Officers will consult the Grants Board on the use of the money in the new financial year.

 

 

6th Welwyn Garden City Methodist Brownie Guide unit - £2,000.00

 

This project is to provide additional activities to help promote wellbeing, such as sessions with Therapeutic Hooves; Wellbeing sessions, which offer meaningful activities to help build up self-esteem and confidence; Pottery classes to help encourage sharing of feelings and worries; and a Christmas event held at the Girlguiding headquarters.

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       Members thought the wellbeing idea was great.

·       Members were concerned about the perception of funding pampering sessions based on the information in the submission, although the good intent was noted.

·       Members were concerned about the subs the kids have to pay and it going to the headquarters. With the increase in costs, some parents may not be able afford to send their kids to Brownies.

·       Members asked if the money could go towards paying for the subs instead.  Officers stated that they could put a condition in to say not to use money on pampering but for free sessions.

 

AGREED a grant of £2,000.

 

With conditions:

 

(1)     The grant is not to be used for the pampering activities but can be used to fund the subs for the other activities included in the bid so that those sessions are free for the children to attend.

 

 

11th Welwyn Garden City Guides - £1,424.64

 

The funding will cover the cost of garage rent for two years. Garage rent is one of the guides units biggest expense. The group only receive funding from the members subs of £40.00 a term, for three terms a year.

 

The group store camping equipment in the garage, as they take the group on camping trips, where they learn new skills. The members’ subs can then be spent on activities, skills, badges and rent for meeting locations.

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       Members noted that garages were used as storage.

·       It was noted that the money would be used for 2 years’ worth of garage rent.

 

AGREED a grant of £1,424.64.

 

With conditions:

 

(1)   Confirmation that the use of the garage for storage accords with the authorised use.

 

 

Activating ADHD - £1,976.00

 

A monthly evening social inclusion group for adults who suffer or are affected by ADHD. The groups aim is to increase individuals awareness and understanding, enabling those affected to better engage with society. The evening group will give adult participants the opportunity to meet other adults face to face with ADHD in a mutually supportive and casual environment.  Trainers and public speakers to provide expert information will also be present.

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       Members were supportive of the project. Teenagers and adults who have ADHD would benefit from the project.

·       Members thought the organisation had so far managed their finances well.

·       Members asked if the Geek Retreat was in the Welwyn Garden City town centre.   It was confirmed it was in the town.

 

AGREED a grant of £1,976.00.

 

 

Birchwood Trust - £2,000.00

 

Birchwood Trust is a local foodbank established in the early days of the covid pandemic. The aim of the project is to give families that are supported by the foodbank a day out, as in previous years the families do not often leave Welwyn Hatfield over the school summer holidays. The grant will pay for a coach that will seat 76 people, entrance to a theme park and ice cream or a drink for each person.

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       Members stated that in their application they had put 100% 18+ and asked if this trip involved taking children on the outing.  Officers stated that it was for families.

·       Members noted that this may be the only activity some people can afford and participate in throughout the year.

·       It was noted that the organisation had a surplus in 2021/22 and paid the council back.

·       Members were concerned about the 100% white ethnicity and wanted more diversity.

 

AGREED a grant of £2,000.00.

 

With Conditions:

 

(1)     To look at increasing their diversity.

 

 

Cuffley and Northaw Youth and Community Centre - £2,000.00

 

Cuffley and Northaw Youth and Community Centre are a registered charity and exist to benefit the local community.  The main users of the centre are a Day Care Centre for older adults, a Preschool, a Dance and Signing Class, a Games Club for older adults, a Music Steel Pan Band, as well as being used for yoga classes, square dancing and Weightwatchers.

 

Community Centre heating costs.

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       Members noted that the total cost of the project was much larger than what they were asking for.

·       Members noted they did not mention fundraising but mentioned applying for other grants.

·       It was noted they could apply for the Warm Spaces grant.

·       There was no breakdown of costs or no mention of how it would help the community in the application.

·       Members considered funding the Day Care Centre, Pre-school and the Wednesday Games Club.

·       Members were concerned that the criteria for applying were not met.  Officers stated that it was within criteria and in line with Council values.

 

AGREED a grant of £1,000.00.

 

With conditions:

 

(1)     Money to fund the Day Care Centre, Pre-school and the Wednesday Games Club, and the money to be released upon a successful application for a Warm Spaces grant for an additional £1,000.

 

 

Herts Disability Sports Foundation - £1,594.00

 

Bikes without Barriers in Welwyn Hatfield. This project ensures that all participating pupils can pedal independently and have their own bike and helmet. Bikes to be sourced by bike donation events. All pupils of participating schools in Welwyn Hatfield progress to senior school able to ride a bike and with their own bike and helmet.

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       Members noted there was no confirmation of the schools participating.

·       Members would like feedback on the project.

·       Members were concerned that no schools had signed up.

 

AGREED a grant of £1,594.00.

 

With conditions:

 

(1)     Funding to be released when an appropriate number of schools have been signed up and the condition from the Annual Grants 2023/24 has been met, to be approved by the Assistant Director (Leisure, Community & Cultural Services).

 

 

Herts Phoenix Athletic Club - £2,000.00

 

For sports hall equipment as the current equipment is very old and some items went missing during a refurbishment. The funding will be used immediately to purchase a selection of Sportshall equipment, including Reversa Boards, a Balance Beam, a Hi-stepper, indoor discus, and various sizes of indoor hurdles.

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       Members though it was a great project to support.

·       The project supports the community.

 

AGREED a grant of £2,000.00.

 

 

Hertfordshire Independent Living Service - on behalf of Hatfield Age Concern - £2,000.00

 

Friendship House is a vibrant, welcoming community centre which offers health and wellbeing services and community-based leisure activities to older and vulnerable Hatfield residents. The current chairs are unsuitable for clients as there is not enough cushioning support, with no arms and low backs. Some clients struggle to get in and out of chairs safely which increases the risk of a client falling or injuring themselves. It also restricts the activities that these chairs can safely be used for, such as chair-based exercise sessions.

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       Members thought that this was a good project to support.

·       It was noted that the Hertfordshire Independent Living Scheme was connected to Hertfordshire County Council.

 

AGREED a grant of £2,000.00.

 

 

Isabel Hospice - £2,000.00

 

Mary & Isabel's Compassionate Café. The two-hour weekly cafés are held every Tuesday from 11am to 1pm for the benefit of residents of Welwyn and Hatfield. The café is open for anybody to attend, including patients who are supported by the Living Well and/or Bereavement teams, and for those feeling lonely or experiencing social isolation who have been referred via Compassionate Neighbours. Each week, trained volunteer Compassionate Neighbours and a member of the Community Development Team are on hand for a friendly chat over a cup of tea and a cake.

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       It was noted the project will be located in Hall Grove, Welwyn Garden City.

·       Members thought it was a great project to support to tackle isolation in the community.

·       It was noted that the Hospice had applied for the Warm Spaces grant.

 

AGREED a grant of £2,000.00.

 

 

North Mymms Youth Project - £1,500.00

 

To purchase a brush cutter to allow adult volunteers to effectively clear more of the brambles and nettles from the area used for meetings; to purchase gravel to put down on the paths to enable them to be used all year round; to purchase additional catering equipment to allow the project to take more members camping at the same time; and to start running Duke of Edinburgh Award.

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       It was noted it was a good project to protect the environment.

·       Members asked if they had the infrastructure and people to help with the start-up of the Duke of Edinburgh award.  Officers stated they will look into this.

 

AGREED a grant of £1,500.00.

 

With informative:

 

(1)     To check if they have the infrastructure and people to help with the start-up of the Duke of Edinburgh award.

 

 

One YMCA - £2,000.00

 

To support paying of rent at the Hive for The One YMCA Youth club.

The Youth Club is a safe, warm environment to where young people can make new friends and thrive. The One YMCA also have local services attend to help young people be made aware of the dangers around drinking and drugs, also how to stay safe. Young people have access to youth workers who can offer advice and support to young people

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       It was noted One YMCA had submitted two applications but only one project will be awarded money.

·       It was noted they provide a safe space within the community.

 

REJECTED a grant of £2,000.00.

 

 

One YMCA - £1,972.16

 

This grant would help to buy items to do a weekly session of street golf for 31 weeks in the Peartree area which young people can attend for free. Due to the cost-of-living crisis their funding and donations have been impacted.  This funding will help to buy items needed to deliver a fun session for young people aged 11 to 17 to inspire them to play golf for their wellbeing.

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       It was noted that young people will be able to attend for free.

·       The sessions will help people be inspired to play golf.

·       Officers confirmed that the 6 coats, 10 hoodies and 10 t-shirts were for staff to wear.

 

AGREED a grant of £1,972.16.

 

 

Parkinson’s UK, Welwyn & Hatfield Branch - £2,000.00

 

Welwyn Hatfield Parkinson Branch welcomes sufferers of the disease along with their carers/family members to an afternoon meeting each week. Every other week, the group holds exercise classes, as well as hosting volunteers who come in to entertain with talks or performances. Funding would contribute towards costs for hall hire, fitness instructor and refreshments.

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       It was noted that some of the funding will be used for Hiring of their meeting space on a 46-week hire.

·       Some of the funding would also go towards hiring a fitness instructor.

·       Members supported the project as it would benefit the community.

 

AGREED a grant of £2,000.00.

 

 

Pets in Needs Herts - £2,000.00

 

An animal foodbank which provides food parcels for owners who are struggling to afford pet food. The project aims to reduce the intake of animals being sent to rescue homes.

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       Members were concerned that it did not fit in with the criteria of grants. If a family were to give up a pet it would be too emotional.

·       It was noted the organisation would help the community and pet owners with mental health.

·       Members thought it was good to see a different application with animals.

·       It was noted they were working with CVS and domestic abuse charities.

 

AGREED a grant of £2,000.00.

 

 

Red Kite Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Service - £2,000.00

 

To develop and deliver a group programme to those who have received help from Red Kite through the Helpline and Recovery Therapy Service on a 1:1 basis.

 

The aim of the program is to empower survivors of sexual violence to look after their mental and physical health and wellbeing, as well as others.

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       It was noted they operate in the Welwyn Hatfield Borough.

·       Members stated it was positive to see 25% men coming forward on domestic abuse.

·       There will be an Exhibition in Howards Centre during the half term.

 

AGREED a grant of £2,000.00.

 

 

Sherrardspark Woods Wardens Society - £2,000.00

 

To extend the Redding's path towards the north entrance of The Redding. The funding will be used to buy materials for the project.

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       It was noted that the project was protecting the environment and path.

·       It was a good project to support.

 

AGREED a grant of £2,000.00.

 

With Condition:

 

(1)     To advertise widely once the path is completed.

 

 

The Jubilee House Care Trust - £1,915.00

 

The Jubilee House Care Trust support people with learning disabilities. The Trust provides residential care and supported living.

 

The project is for funding to book activity's and days out as the service users can feel isolated and they can struggle with communication.

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       Members thought this was a good project to support.

·       It was noted the amount they were asking for was less than the total cost of the project.

 

AGREED a grant of £1,915.00.

 

 

Welwyn Garden City United Reformed Church - £1,560.00

 

The Community Centre supports a range of community groups. The main hall seats 180 people and is used for concerts and presentations as well as many other things.

 

The funding is for a sound system as the current one is over 12 years old.

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       It was noted that the current sound system was old.

·       This was a great project that will benefit young people in the borough.

·       It was noted that in their application they stated “this is in line with our Christian belief in showing God's love for everyone”. Members wanted clarification whether this project is open to all faiths in the community.

 

AGREED a grant of £1,560.00.

 

 

Welwyn Hatfield Women's Refuge and Support Services - £2,000.00

 

The project is for a designated safeguarding lead, part time.

 

The funds are to ensure the women and children are protected and supported by regular reviews and the appropriate follow up.

 

The following points were noted:

 

·       This is a great organisation to support in the community.

·       It was noted only 33% is requested from the council.

 

AGREED a grant of £2,000.00.

 

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the Small Community Grants should be paid as follows: