The Turncole Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund has now awarded more than £500,000 to charitable projects supporting people and communities in Burnham-on-Crouch and Southminster.
Established with Essex Community Foundation (ECF) in 2016, the Fund supports charitable projects within the parishes of Southminster and Burnham-on-Crouch that enhance the quality of life for local residents, contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable communities, and promote community spirit and activity. Since its launch, it has supported a wide range of local organisations, helping people of all ages access support, develop new skills, improve their wellbeing and strengthen connections within their communities.
Over the past decade, grants have supported projects including advice services for local residents, activities tackling loneliness and isolation, support for young carers, opportunities for young people, family wellbeing programmes and community sports initiatives. Funding has also helped local organisations develop new services and sustain activities that continue to make a difference across the area.
Among the organisations supported is Home-Start Essex, which received funding to deliver family-focused fitness sessions, stay-and-play activities and family support groups for families in Burnham-on-Crouch and Southminster.
Nic O’Brien, Chief Executive Officer of Home-Start Essex, said: “We are so thankful for the funding that Home-Start Essex received from the Turncole Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund. It made such a difference to socially isolated families living in Southminster and Burnham-on-Crouch who were able to access Family Fitness and Fun sessions and attend our weekly Family Support Group. Families consistently reported enjoying the opportunity to try new fitness activities, increasing their weekly physical activity, greater confidence in engaging in activities with their children and a reduction in feelings of isolation. Many also noted a measurable increase in emotional resilience and personal wellbeing. This flexible and responsive use of funding maximised impact and ensured that families received timely and relevant support where it was most needed.”
The Fund has also supported Action for Family Carers, helping to establish and expand support for young carers across the rural Dengie area. Funding has enabled work in local schools, including Ormiston Rivers Academy, providing awareness activities, after-school clubs and one-to-one support for young people balancing education with caring responsibilities at home.
“Funding from the Turncole Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund helped Action for Family Carers establish and grow much-needed support for young carers across the rural Dengie area. Young carers already face pressures and responsibilities that most children their age do not, and living in a rural community can bring additional challenges, including isolation and fewer opportunities to access support.
We have reached hundreds of local young carers, including through our work at Ormiston Rivers Academy. Our support gives young carers someone they can trust to talk to, helps them feel less alone and better able to cope with the pressures of caring. The Fund’s support helped us build a service that continues to make a real and lasting difference to young carers across the Dengie today,” shared James Clarke, CEO, Action for Family Carers.
Zoe Brampton, Grants Manager, Essex Community Foundation added: “Reaching £500,000 in grantmaking is a significant milestone and reflects the lasting impact the Fund has had across Burnham-on-Crouch and Southminster over the past decade. Through the support of local projects and organisations, the Fund has helped strengthen communities, improve wellbeing and create opportunities for people across the area. It is inspiring to see the difference these grants continue to make and the positive impact they have had on local residents.”
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We manage a range of charitable funds supporting communities across Essex. Our Grants Team may be able to connect your organisation with the most suitable funding opportunity.
To find out more or make an application, visit our Apply for Support page or call 01245 355947.
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Contact Perry Norton, Head of Development, on 01245 355947 or email perry@essexcf.org.uk.