Over £48,000 has been awarded to organisations to deliver initiatives that support the development of arts, culture, heritage and sport.
The funding has been allocated from the borough’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) in a bid to level up opportunity and prosperity, building pride in our places, strengthening our communities and increasing life chances.
Earlier this year, organisations were invited to apply for funding between £5,000 and £10,000 for projects that improve access to high quality and inclusive arts and sporting activities, provide opportunities for skills development, employment and growth, and increase local volunteering.
Amongst the awardees were Brennan and Burch, who will be using the funding to support and develop 20 young creatives, and the Afghan and Central Asian Association, who will be providing weekly football sessions and tournaments to support local Afghan and Ukrainian girls.
Councillor David Kendall, Brentwood Borough Council’s Chair of the Finance, Assets, Investment & Recovery Committee said, “This is a great opportunity to boost the development of local culture and sport. We are thrilled that we have been able to award a share of the funding to some fantastic projects and we look forward to seeing them come to fruition.”
Aaron Watts, Youth and Community Pastor from Doddinghurst Road Church and Chair of the Brentwood UKSPF Local Partnership, added, “The grant scheme empowers the local community to make decisions on how the fund can meet their unique needs. This will inevitably contribute to wider, positive social outcomes for the people who live, work and grow here.”
All fund awardees:
- Brennan and Burch Ltd – to work with the Essex County Council Youth Service to support future creatives by offering mentoring and support with portfolios, qualifications, shadowing and training, whilst offering business training, social and wellbeing support.
- Minus Cloud Nine – to support the development of a creative, therapeutic hub at King George’s Playing Fields.
- Hutton and Shenfield Choral Society – to support a Christmas concert which brings together professional musicians with choirs, schools, and dancers.
- Volunteer It Yourself – to work with young people at risk, or not in employment, education or training, to develop vocational trade skills whilst volunteering to renovate a youth centre.
- Afghan and Central Asian Association – to hold weekly football sessions and tournaments for Afghan and Ukrainian girls.
- Tri Sport Essex – to host an introductory event to the triathlon this summer.
- Brentwood Eels Rugby League Football Club – to create and run a Wheelchair Rugby League.
- Brentwood Bowling Club – to improve disabled toilet facilities at the club.
For more information on UK Shared Prosperity fund, visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
ENDS