Two community groups have been awarded a total of £1,884* following the Letchworth Area Forum recommendations on 5 July.
North Herts 50 Plus has been awarded £884 to help advertise for new members and pay for minibus hire for outings. Their membership decreased by 50% after the pandemic so they want to encourage local residents to join, socialise and boost their confidence, to help reduce the risk of loneliness and depression.
A comment from one of their members following an organised visit to St Albans: "I really enjoyed the trip, we had a guided tour around the Abbey, listened to a short organ recital and then headed to the large street market where we browsed the many stalls including world street food where some of us bought our lunch. A really lovely day."
Headway Hertfordshire has been awarded £1,000 towards running peer support group sessions, helping to cover the cost of hall hire, staff and activities. Headway Hertfordshire offers care, support and education/information to those over 18 affected by an acquired brain injury. They support more than 260 residents in North Herts of which approximately 40% are in the Letchworth area.
John Archer, CEO of Headway Hertfordshire, said: “We will make really good use of this grant to run our local groups and make sure all our clients see progress towards their aims and aspirations as they start to recover after their brain injury.”
Cllr Alistair Willoughby, Executive Member for Community & Partnerships, who approved the funding under delegated decision, said: “We are very happy to assist these remarkable organisations that are making such a positive impact in the Letchworth community. One group is dedicated to brightening the lives of older people, while the other provides much-needed support to adults who have suffered brain injuries. It is fantastic to play a part in supporting their important work.”
Cllr Tom Plater, Letchworth Area Forum Chair, added: “Both these groups are providing important services to specific members of the community, this is what our area grants are all about.”
Local Area Forums have taken over from our Area Committees. They cover five areas of North Herts – Letchworth, Southern Rural, Hitchin, Baldock and Royston – and take place four times a year. The new Forums are designed to be less formal and more welcoming to encourage more community participation. They generally start at 7.30pm with community grant applications and then themed discussions will take place from around 8pm. Each Forum makes recommendations for funding, and then the Executive Member for Community & Partnerships makes a decision under delegated powers.
The next Letchworth Area Forum will take place on 20 September at 7.30pm at Howard Garden Social Centre, Norton Way South, Letchworth.
*subject to completion of the necessary formalities
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