Harlow Trust keeps residents moving

30th August 2023

Voluntary and community organisations in Harlow are being encouraged to apply for grants from the Harlow Recreation Trust.

Grants of up to £10,000 are available for projects and activities that support the development of recreational skills, knowledge and talent for the benefit of people living in Harlow.

The Trust has been managed by Essex Community Foundation (ECF) since 2010 and has awarded grants totalling over £500,000 to support local charities and voluntary groups.  ECF assesses all applications to the Trust and works with a panel of local people who share their local knowledge and expertise to help make decisions on which applications to support.

Andy Payne Worpole, head of programmes at ECF, said: “The grants awarded from this Trust help build recreational skills and confidence.  Over the past 13 years, a wide range of projects have benefited from support, including horticultural therapy sessions, sports clubs and a weekly group for young carers.

“The grants team at ECF are available to discuss ideas and funding needs. Grants will generally be for one year, but for exceptional projects the panel may consider awarding funds over a longer term.”

CanalAbility is among the organisations to have been awarded funding previously.  A grant of £7,000 helped them to buy a new engine and gearbox for one of their Canal boats which provides accessible day trips to people with disabilities in Harlow.

Doreen Goodall, general manager, said: “We are dependent on two of our boats being available to provide 4-hour trips 300 days a year.  We were so grateful for the funding as we were able to replace the engine in our Challenger boat which had exceeded well above the number of expected hours.

“Now we can continue to provide trips for people who, because of their varying disabilities, might not otherwise have access to the enjoyment of being on a boat and all the associated benefits this brings.”

Harlow stroke Support Group also received a grant of £6,000 from the Harlow Recreation Trust to provide chair-based exercise classes for stroke survivors.  The sessions help people to rebuild confidence in their abilities in a safe and friendly space and the exercises helps them with their posture, walking and improving their balance so they are less prone to falling over.

Apply here or call the grants team on 01245 356018.  The deadline for submitting applications is 5pm on 29 September 2023.