Over £100,000 awarded from the East of England Co-op’s Community Cares Fund to 30 organisations

5th August 2021

The grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 will give a much-needed boost in support to local groups working hard to support our communities through this challenging time.

Initially set up in April 2020, in response to the pandemic, the retailer’s Community Cares Fund helps local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to create or adapt services that will have a positive impact on communities across Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex.

The Community Cares Fund is supplemented by generous East of England Co-op members who, through donating their annual dividend, have so far contributed nearly £190,000 to the fund since it opened last year.

This latest round of funding, which was open for applications from April to May 2021, aims to support groups looking to address at least one of these key areas:

• Community action – including the development of physical and virtual spaces and services that bring communities together.
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Food justice for all – including access to, and sharing knowledge about good quality, nutritious food.

Niall O’Keeffe, Joint Chief Executive of the East of England Co-op said: “There has been some truly inspirational work happening across our region to support local communities throughout the pandemic. We’re delighted to be able to support our local groups and organisations to grow and adapt their services as we move out of lockdown.”

This latest round of funding received an overwhelming number of applications, demonstrating both the need and desire of community groups to refocus and increase the support they offer as the country transitions into this next phase of the pandemic.

Niall added: “We had initially planned to run a second round of applications this Summer. However, after receiving such an unprecedented volume of applications we decided to combine the grants available from both rounds to make sure we could support as many organisations as possible at this crucial time.

“It’s clear that the criteria we set for applications in April really resonated with organisations as they look to re-focus and expand their work with our communities during this period of change. We’re really excited to see the difference our grant recipients will be able to make.”

The Dance Network Association CIC, based in Colchester, are among the Essex grant recipients. They have been awarded £5,000 to create new classes for older adults and those living with Dementia and Parkinson’s.

Gemma Wright, CEO and Founder of Dance Network Association said: “The funding we have received from the Community Cares Fund will allow us to deliver a programme of work after such a difficult year for all. Our project is specifically for those that have been shielding or isolating due to living with conditions such as Parkinson’s and Dementia.

“We will be delivering ‘in person’ activities from September 2021 which will support these people to reengage in physical and social activity in Colchester and find the joy and benefits of dancing. The fund will specifically support the organisation to evaluate the benefits of our dance programmes on those with lived conditions and support us to profile these benefits for future-proofing our crucial work in the community.”

The other organisations that are working in Essex and have been awarded a grant are:

• Ferriers Barn in Essex were awarded £4,000 towards the adaptation of facilities to ensure activity can continue for adults with learning difficulties.
• The Victor Batte Lay Foundation in Colchester were awarded £5,000 towards the creation of arts activities within a new community hub in the town centre.
• REACH have been awarded £5,000 towards the cost of expanding their foodbank provision across rural West Suffolk and North Essex, targeting rural residents who need food but struggle to access foodbanks.
• Age Concern, Colchester & North East Essex have been awarded £5,000 towards re‐establishing pop‐up dementia cafes across Colchester and Tendring to aid the mental heath and wellbeing of carers.
• Colchester & Tendring Youth Enquiry Service were awarded £5,000 to towards the development of counselling services for young people in Colchester whose mental health has been affected by the pandemic.

Community Cares Fund grants have been awarded to a diverse range of community groups that are making a difference to the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds across our region. A full list of successful grant recipients can be found at: eastofengland.coop/grantsawards

The next round of funding from the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund is due to open in Autumn 2021.

ECF announced as Birkett Long’s charity of the year

“Lifeline” organisation receives significant funding boost

12th July 2021

West Essex based disability charity Accuro (Care Services) have been awarded £20,000 from the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF).

The funding, which comes from the Essex Coronavirus Response and Recovery Programme, will be used by the charity to help with the additional costs associated with tackling COVID-19, keeping clubs and services safe and the R rate low.

The charity provides social and leisure opportunities for children, young people and adults with a disability across West Essex, enabling members to make friends, build confidence and self-esteem and develop life skills.

During the national lockdowns and while restrictions were in place, Accuro had to suspend face to face services, quickly taking to online sessions via Zoom and support calls over the phone, keeping members connected with friends from their clubs and the Accuro team.

In a recent survey of its members and their families, the charity found that while the online provisions during the national lockdown were well received, members were keen to return to in-person clubs and services when it was safe to do so.

Accuro’s Operations Manager Alison McKeown commented, “At Accuro, we aim to reduce loneliness and social isolation among people with a disability and to do this, the provision of in-person services is incredibly important.

“The additional costs associated with keeping our clubs and services safe and operational at this time are significant, so we were thrilled to be awarded this funding. This grant will help us to provide essential equipment and training, ensuring the safety of our members, staff and volunteers.

“As in-person clubs and services return, this funding will enable Accuro to help keep people safe and be able to continue providing in person COVID-secure activities and new projects outside including a walking group for adults.

Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF, said: “During the pandemic Accuro quickly moved their sessions online, providing virtual activities as well as emotional support.   This was a lifeline for their members during a very difficult time and we are pleased to support Accuro as they take the first steps to resume their normal activities.”

To find out more about Accuro (Care Services), please visit www.accuro.org.uk

SUPPORT ECF’S ACORN FUND CHALLENGE and help local charities  like Accuro.

ECF is running the ‘Acorn Fund Challenge’, appealing for donations and matching them on a 2 to 1 basis.  This means that for every £2 received, ECF will add £1, and if Gift Aid can be claimed, it nearly doubles the value of donations.

• Give online through: https://justgiving.com/campaign/ECFAcorn
• To give by card over the phone call us on 01245 355947
• Send a cheque to Essex Community Foundation at 121 New London Road, Chelmsford CM2 0QT.
• Speak to us if you want to make a donation by bank transfer or to set up a regular gift
• For more information email perry@essexcf.org.uk

Local charity reopens with a splash

A water activities centre set in the Lee Valley Country Park is making a splash after re-opening for customers in a Covid-secure way.

New outdoor handwashing facilities and other measures to combat Coronavirus have been installed at The ESSA Water Activities Centre, thanks to a grant of £2,000 from the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF.)

Now people of all ages can once again enjoy activities on the centre’s beautiful 22-acre lagoon in Nazeing, Broxbourne.

ESSA, a registered charity and RYA training centre, caters for schools,youth groups, individuals, families, corporate events and parties and runs a wide range of courses and activities.

The charity’s work helps young people to achieve their full potential physically, intellectually and socially through sailing and other water-based activities.

Training courses and activities for all ages at the centre include RYA sailing, RYA Powerboat and Safety boat, RYA Windsurfing, Dragon Boat helm, traditional rafting award, British Canoeing  Start and Discover courses,  Kayaking, Foundation Safety and Rescue training, Mega SUP and wobble boarding.

Volunteers play an important role at the centre. Several have gone into sea-based careers or sports associated industries and one was inspired to take up their education in marine biology.

When ESSA was looking to re-open after lockdown extra facilities were needed to ensure the centre complied with all the relevant Covid regulations and guidelines.

The grant from ECF helped ESSA meet the cost of installing new outdoor handwashing facilities which included new water pipe laying. The centre has also introduced ways to ensure social distancing and resources to deep clean every boat after use.

Kevin Downton, treasurer at ESSA said: “We are grateful to ECF for the grant which made it possible to re-open ESSA in a Covid secure way and provide hygienic outdoor hand washing facilities for our customers.

“We have had very positive customer feedback about our re-opening and that we are operating in a Covid secure manner.”

To discuss your funding needs, please call the ECF grants team on 01245 356018.

SUPPORT ECF’S ACORN FUND CHALLENGE and help local charities and groups like ESSA.

ECF is running the ‘Acorn Fund Challenge’, appealing for donations and matching them on a 2 to 1 basis.  This means that for every £2 received, ECF will add £1, and if Gift Aid can be claimed, it nearly doubles the value of donations.

• Give online through: https://justgiving.com/campaign/ECFAcorn
• To give by card over the phone call us on 01245 355947
• Send a cheque to Essex Community Foundation at 121 New London Road, Chelmsford CM2 0QT.
• Speak to us if you want to make a donation by bank transfer or to set up a regular gift
• For more information email perry@essexcf.org.uk

Fund launched to help communities tackle local issues

5th July 2021

Applications are now open for a community fund which tackles the big issues that matter to Braintree District residents.

Voluntary and community organisations are being invited to apply to the Braintree District and Eastlight Community Fund, run by Braintree District Council and Eastlight Community Homes.

For the first time, grants of between £500 and £5,000 are available for smaller scale grassroots organisations that make a big impact for people in the Braintree district. Larger awards of up to £40,000 over three years continue to be available.

A panel made up of Eastlight and Braintree District Council representatives especially want to hear about schemes which address the challenges which concern Braintree residents as we emerge from the pandemic.

Organisations that can apply for this funding include charities, residents’ groups, social enterprises and other non-profit organisations.

Projects should either improve health and wellbeing, provide opportunities for young people or offer training to local people to improve their skills.

James Green, Eastlight’s Community Investment Director, said: “This fund is here to support brilliant projects that help local people with the issues they care deeply about.

“During the pandemic, we saw local community groups and smaller organisations offering a lifeline to people in Braintree district. The smaller grants we’re introducing could enable a range of organisations to continue their fantastic work.”

Last year, grants included £20,000 to Action for Family Carers to support young carers and £31,832 to Braintree, Halstead & Witham Citizens Advice to help disabled people.

Councillor Frankie Ricci, Cabinet Member for Communities at Braintree District Council, said: “Braintree District Council are proud to continue partnering with Eastlight Community Homes for this fund which will make a real difference to our communities. The introduction of the smaller grants will hopefully encourage a wider range of groups to access vital funding to support those in need within our communities.”

The Fund is managed by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF), which has a strong track record of supporting community organisations to access the funding and support they need.

Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF said: “This Fund is a great resource for charities and voluntary groups working in Braintree District to tap into.

“We know that a small amount of money can go a long way in helping to deliver local projects and activities and we urge organisations to contact us to discuss their ideas and funding needs.”

How to apply:

For more information on eligibility and to complete our online application form, please click here.

You are also encouraged to call the ECF grants team to discuss your idea and funding needs in advance of completing this.

The deadline to submit is 5pm on Friday 27 August.

Former Loughton teacher awarded BEM in Queen’s Honours

15th June 2021

A former teacher from Loughton, who has committed her life to bringing people together and helping those in need has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Joyce Obaseki has been awarded a British Empire Medal in recognition of her hard work and dedication after founding Grant a Smile six years ago.

She launched the not-for-profit after discovering that there was no support available for children like one of her pupils, who came to school in a dirty uniform because his mother, who had cancer, was too ill to provide him with clean clothes.

The boy was being bullied at school because of his unkempt appearance and Joyce became determined to give youngsters like him the help they need.

Grant A Smile gives free practical support for eligible families whose home life is affected by serious illness. They also try to grant special wishes for children and Joyce has set her sights on expanding the organisation’s work to help vulnerable and elderly people.

Joyce said, “I was so surprised when I heard I was to receive this award.  I had no idea I had been nominated and it was such a shock to get a letter from the Cabinet Office.  It gives recognition to the organisation and particularly our work during the pandemic.

“I want to thank everyone for helping us to stay consistent and keep our mission alive. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful team of volunteers who I believe are the true Smile Heroes.  I could not do the job without their support.”

Grant A Smile has also received a grant of £11,540 to support their work from the local independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation.

Caroline Taylor, chief executive of ECF, said: “Joyce is a real community champion and it is brilliant to see her get this recognition for all her hard work.  Working within her local community, Joyce and her team can identify and support people who are in need and quickly get them the help that they need.

“During the coronavirus pandemic, Grant A Smile had to prioritise their efforts to help the families in greatest need and we were pleased to support their vital work distributing food parcels in the Loughton area”.

For a full list of everyone who received an Award in Essex this year, click here.