Active Towns Community Grants : Round Two Funding Available Until 24 September

East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Active Towns project is aimed at encouraging and supporting communities and residents to be more physically, mentally, and socially active in Pocklington, Market Weighton, Goole and Howden.

The project is working closely in the community with residents, local clubs, groups and organisations to expand community resources and increase the number of wellbeing activities for local residents.

Launched as part of the project, the Active Towns Community Grant enables voluntary community groups, charities and individuals to develop strong governance and restart following on from lockdown. The grants are to help set up or restart new activities to support physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Grants have been awarded already, ranging from £200 for a local community garden project in Pocklington, a space for people who feel isolated or lonely to come together in a relaxing environment, meet other people and learn about gardening and wildlife. There have also been grants of up to £2000, for example for a 12-month programme of mindfulness walking events for bereaved people throughout the next year (Talk about Loss), in Market Weighton.

Dream Heritage received £2000, to help them create a video to promote the Howden 20 heritage walk to help inspire more people to get active and explore the trail. Rebecca Watkins from Dream Heritage said :

“Many thanks for this grant; it really means so much to our little organisation with big dreams”.

In the first round of Active Towns Community Grants, a total of just over £35,000 is to be paid out, with thirteen grants going to Goole, nine to Pocklington, thirteen to Howden and five to Market Weighton.

Councillor David Elvidge, the portfolio holder for community involvement and the voluntary sector, said:

“I am delighted with the progress of Active Towns so far and especially pleased to see the distribution of the Community Grants. I look forward to seeing Active Towns develop even further.”

Active Towns Round Two is currently up and running until Friday, 24 September. For more information about applications for grants, email:  active.towns@eastriding.gov.uk or visit www.activetowns.co.uk