Having given out over £93,000 in grants and assisted over 25,000 people in the Borough, the Community Fund for Reigate and Banstead has already had a tremendous impact since its launch. Below are some of the projects we have supported, amongst many others.
School Days Project -The project supports schools and students to access the practical items they need to make the most of their education. So far this year Stripey Stork have provided 1,829 filled school bags, 1,810 pairs of school shoes / trainers and 6309 items of school uniform to families in need, reducing the stress of being able to afford everything to go back to school.
Feedback from referral partners: The relief when they can provide their clients with the items they need is palpable: “This has meant less worry and stress about being able to afford everything to go back to school”.
Parent Feedback: “The Waterbottles are highly appreciated when you have 4 children. £2 for a bottle might be nothing for some people, but for us that is an extra carton of milk!”
“Patrick* (aged 55) came to us from the local Jobcentre having been long-term unemployed due to very low literacy and numeracy levels and lack of recent work experience to include on his CV. He was facing issues with his landlord, and had no idea who to turn to. Citizens advice provided him with the legal information required to manage his debt and point him in the right direction.”
The Fund recently awarded £3,000 to fund a Telephone Advisor to ensure the local branch could meet demand and continue to support local people experiencing a range of difficulties in Reigate and Banstead. The organisation specialises in confidential information and advice to assist people with legal, debt, housing and other issues. This will make a massive difference to hundreds of people across the Borough.
Funding towards the essential running costs of a charity that runs the food banks in Epsom and Ewell and Reigate and Banstead.
Hospice Community Allotment for those with a life-limiting illness or their carers and the recently bereaved.
Local charity, Sight for Surrey support people of any age who have a hearing or sight impairment. They deliver specialist, hands-on, practical services tailored to meet the needs of their clients and their families. They received a grant of £1,500 to offer free communications to their members, providing a regular opportunity for them to meet, learn and practice communication skills that will aid independent living.
Relate Mid-Surrey provide relationship support to their clients, offering services such as counselling for couples, families and young people, sex therapy, and mediation and training courses. They received £3,000 towards subsidised counselling sessions for disadvantaged families. These sessions particularly support family members who are struggling with relationship issues; families who may need help to separate; where there is the presence of domestic violence; and helping young people who may be caught up in parental conflict, victims of abuse, or struggling to cope with challenging circumstances.
Beatz Music-making & recording project - This project is designed to offer young people aged between 11 and 18 an outlet to express their creative minds by performing or producing music in small groups led by a YMCA Youth worker and local music producers.
“Beatz gives young people an opportunity to stay off the streets, develop their self-esteem, learn new skills and meet new friends. The Beatz Music-Project is a safe space where they come and create – all for free!”
Stuart Kingsley, YMCA East Surrey’s Deputy Head of Children and Young People.
“Regular sessions at the Gateway Allotment have had a transformative effect on B’s* life and have become a critical part of his weekly routine”.
The Gateway Garden - Funding activities at the Gateway Allotment, a 'Nurture Through Nature' project through a seamless combination of nature therapy. For some vulnerable people, this is their only chance to talk and be heard: an essential boost to their confidence, which reduces their isolation and empowers them to make positive, lasting changes.
*Names have been changed