Mayor creates lasting legacy to support local charities
26th May 2023
Charites in Harwich and Dovercourt will continue to benefit for years to come thanks to the vision of Cllr Ivan Henderson, who steps down as Mayor later this month after two years in the role.
Cllr Henderson established the Harwich Mayflower Legacy Fund, which is managed by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF), when he became Mayor in 2021, to provide an annual source of funding to support the work of local charities and voluntary groups.
“My mayoral year coincided with the 400th anniversary of Master Christopher Jones’ sea voyage aboard the Mayflower,” said Cllr Henderson. “I wanted to do something that would last beyond my term of office, would link to the ongoing maritime history of Harwich, but importantly, would also support our communities now and in the future.
“Thanks to the donations I have received, the Locality funding provided by Essex County Council and matched funding from the Proceeds of Crime Matched Funding Scheme run by ECF, I am delighted that I have been able to achieve my ambition.
“Now the Fund is set up, I would like to see it continue to grow with donations from local people who want to support their community because together, we can really make a difference.”
Cllr Henderson has lived in Harwich all his life and has devoted almost three decades to public service, including being a former MP for Harwich, a Town, District and County councillor.
He said, “I am passionate about Harwich. It has an amazing history, wonderful coastal views, and a great sense of community spirit, but like many areas, there are people who need extra support. This is why I set up the Fund.”
Since the Fund was established, nearly £6,000 has been given in grants to local voluntary organisations. In addition, ECF has been able to leverage a further £10,500 from other charitable funds that it manages.
Home-Start Harwich is among the charities that have benefited from support. Wendy Taylor, Scheme Manager said, “All parents struggle at one time or another and it can be lonely, frustrating, and overwhelming. Our staff and volunteers work alongside families to give non-judgmental, compassionate, and confidential support.”
She added, “Funding is vital for us to be able to work with families directly, often in their homes, and help them gain confidence and skills to overcome challenges.”
One of the highlights of Cllr Henderson’s term of office, was a partnership project with local businesses and other ECF fundholders, including Harwich Haven Authority, Milsom Hotels and Galloper Wind Farm, that enabled 20 local young people to take part in the trip of a lifetime as part of a Tall Ships Sailing to Portsmouth.
Charities also receiving support include Teen Talk (Harwich) for their work helping local young people with a wide range of advice, guidance and services, and the Ark Family Resource Centre which was awarded £1,470 to help set up a family support group for survivors of domestic abuse.
Cllr Henderson hands over to Cllr Maria Fowler in a Mayor-making ceremony to be held at the Guildhall in Harwich on 25 May.
If you would like to support local charities and make a donation to the Harwich Mayflower Legacy Fund, you can donate here on JustGiving or by calling ECF on 01245 355947.