Comic Relief Community Cash grants of up to £1,000 each have been awarded across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to 47 smaller voluntary organisations and charitable groups carrying out great work helping local people living tough lives.
The funds totalling £46,174 were raised earlier this year through Red Nose Day and are being distributed by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) – the county’s largest grant-making organisation.
On the Isle of Wight, £4,824 has been granted in total to Cowes Sailability Club (£824) and £1,000 each to Cruse Bereavement Care; Isle of Wight Beach Soccer; Our Place – Isle of Wight and Shanklin Voluntary Youth & Community Centre.
Trish Rooke, Fund Raising Office for Cowes Sailability Club said:
“It has been a fantastic boost to the club to receive this wonderful Community Cash grant which will enable us to raise awareness of the sailing opportunities available for disabled people in our community. We will be able to deliver presentations to local organisations such as Alzheimer’s support groups and centres for people with learning difficulties, giving them a chance to enjoy an outdoor activity. This in turn can impact on improving their health both mentally and physically.
“Being on the water as part of a team boosts confidence, relieves isolation and make people feel they are a part of something special. Members have said it makes them feel like they are living not just existing.”
Jakes Ferguson, Chief Executive of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation commented:
“We are delighted to be working closely with Comic Relief and to have identified these great causes to receive the Community Cash initiative grants. These are inspiring projects where a small grant can make a huge difference, and HIWCF works hard to ensure that our grant-making focuses on the areas of greatest need. Last year we were able to target 70% of our £1.1m grant spend to the 50% most deprived wards in our area.”
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If you would like to find out more about HIWCF visit www.hantscf.org.uk.
