Worthing community groups get funding boost
Released: Tuesday, 17 September 2024
Groups that support communities across Worthing have been given a funding boost, after successfully securing money from Worthing Borough Council's Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Neighbourhood Fund.
Just under £205,000 was successfully bid for by 27 community groups and voluntary sector organisations, with some groups working together on joint projects.
The Worthing CIL Neighbourhood Fund is made up of a proportion of the payments collected from developers building in the local area, to offset the impact felt by residents.
In 2022, we redesigned the fund to make it more inclusive and transparent, and provided communities with the chance to be involved with the decision-making process.
Projects that improve the wellbeing of residents have been invested in this year, with funding going to homelessness charity Turning Tides' mindfulness gardening project and Humber Avenue Community Allotments' social hub community space.
Families and young people will get support from projects across Worthing, including a Friday Afternoon Club at Maybridge Keystone Club, health activities for families scheme run by The Russell Martin Foundation, new youth club by community interest company, The Sid Youth and money for day trips organised by charity, Family Support Work.
Community facilities in need of a spruce-up will be aided, with St Botolph's Church in Heene securing funds for a kitchen refurbishment, 2nd Worthing Scout Group set to improve toilet facilities at its base and Goring-by-Sea Cricket Club planning to use the money to purchase an outfield mower.
Projects that tackle environmental issues have also been rewarded, including bee workshops from volunteer group We are Pollinator Pioneers, and money for The Goring and Ilex Conservation Group to enhance the popular Plantation green space.
Feedback from last year's successful applicants highlighted an enthusiasm for the opportunity to network with each other at engagement events hosted by us. Throughout this year's application process, groups were encouraged to build connections and identify opportunities to work together.
Working jointly, Findon Valley Residents Association and Limetree Surgery have received funding for an allotment and therapeutic garden project. Also joining forces are West Sussex Mind and Northbrook College for a youth mental health training, awareness and support project at the college's West Durrington campus.
All of this year's successful applications were chosen by community assessment panels, made up of councillors and community representatives, at venues in the three areas of Worthing that were eligible for funding.
Any groups that have not been successful this year will be given feedback, invited to apply next year or referred to Community Works, a local organisation that supports the voluntary sector, for help preparing future funding applications.
Cllr Dom Ford, Worthing's cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said:
“I'm really pleased to see groups teaming up for some of the successful projects - this ties in really well with our council for the community ambitions and it's important that communities can work together for the greater benefit of our residents.”
Residents will be able to find out more about this year's successful projects as they progress, via our website and social media channels.
Photos: Community engagement events; Heene Community Centre; West Sussex Mind improved toilet facilities; Durrington High School (centre); Tree Action; new Durrington & Salvington and West Durrington trail leaflets; and Denton Gardens Sunken Garden
(PR24-064)
Page last updated: 23 October 2024