Three groups scoop latest KCOM Community Grants
Youngsters with learning disabilities and a Hull community garden are among the latest winners to receive a KCOM community grant
A charity that helps improve the lives of disabled youngsters, a new community garden and a boxing club are among the groups shortlisted
Six charities and community groups have been chosen to face a final public vote to find out which will receive grants of up to £1,000 to go towards their work.
Brendon Smurthwaite, KCOM’s community coordinator, said: “Yet again the quality of the entries for our Community Grants Scheme has been phenomenal. It’s been an incredibly difficult task to choose just six finalists from dozens of entries, but each of the groups that have made it to shortlist does an incredible job improving the lives of people throughout Hull and East Yorkshire.
“It’s now up to the public to vote for their favourite to see which three groups win a grant of up to £1,000. So, please get voting now to show your support for some incredible groups doing great work in the community.”
Amanda Best, chair of Friends of St Anne's, said that she is delighted that Friends of St Anne's have been selected to go through to the final six for voting in the next round of KCOM community grants.
“If we are successful in being selected for the final three the money will benefit all of the children and young people, many of whom have severe and profound learning disabilities who attend the school.
“We will use it to fund activities and buy much needed specialist equipment to enhance their learning, enable them to access experiences they would not normally be able to. It would make a huge difference and would be amazing for the school and the pupils. We really hope we are successful."
Jo Richardson, of Northcott School, said she was delighted to make the shortlist and, if successful, would use the money to help youngsters with special needs by building a new sensory garden.
She said: “We desperately need to create a sensory garden to improve the provision for our amazing children. Northcott is a school for children with social communication and interaction difficulties, we have a lot of children that need sensory input so please get behind us and vote for Northcott School.”
Alison Ripley, general manager of RSPCA Hull & East Riding Branch, said: “We’re overjoyed to be in the final six nominations for our community garden project.
“We’re delighted to be shortlisted for this amazing opportunity and, as a small local charity separate from the National RSPCA, we offer our centre for local community awareness projects. We have provided educational workshops to over 2,000 children and community groups.
“Through our education program we’re developing a community garden as part of our current environmental awareness education program. As an urban centre, we want to show how people can grow plants and vegetables for themselves, their pets and how to encourage wildlife in a small inner city space.”
Ivor Clement, of Workout Boxing Club, said: “We’re a new England Boxing affiliated amateur club called Workout Boxing Academy, based on West Dock Avenue.
“We teach boxing to all ages and put on general fitness classes for the community as a whole, especially those living off Hessle Road, Boulevard and surrounding areas. The grant would go towards the cost a boxing ring, although we still need other equipment such as pads, gloves, skipping ropes, mats, and a host of other things.
“We believe that learning boxing and doing the training has a wide range of benefits. It teaches discipline, gives confidence, releases stress and gets people of all ages to engage in an activity that will get them fitter. We hope to get the younger generation to come, giving them something to do on an evening. It also benefits people with mental health and anxiety issues. One of our aims is to work with disadvantaged kids and kids with behavioural problems in the near future.”
Marg Oaten MBE, founder of SEED Eating Disorder Support Services, said: “As we enter our 20th year as a voluntary organisation, I am thrilled and honoured to be shortlisted for a KCOM Community Award.
“The charity is run by a committed team of special people giving their time to improve the lives of both sufferers and carers affected by this devastating illness. Thank you so much.”
The public vote is open now and runs until 25 November.
To find out more about each finalist and how to vote for your favourite visit https://www.kcomhome.com/community/kcom-community-grants/