The Bright Idea Group has been hard at work on a new community fund in Kenton it was disclosed this week.
The Small Sparks fund is about getting local Kenton residents involved in organising grass roots community projects to build friendships and make connections in the neighbourhood. The Bright Ideas group have used their own local knowledge to inspire Small Sparks projects to come forward for funding.
The Small Sparks fund they have been managing offers grants of up to £250 which applicants have to match with volunteer time – the grants are made to projects that connect new people to groups and activities. The activities cover Montagu, Kenton Bar and Cowgate.
Coun. Stephen Lambert, Chair of the Kenton Committee, said : ‘’This is an innovative project that brings residents together to improve their neighbourhoods and helps to promote community cohesion and social inclusion.’’
Local resident Val Scholar who has been working on Small Sparks, said : ‘’The programme of activities we have funded are all organised and led by local people for the benefit of other residents and their communities. It just shows how thoughtful and resourceful Kenton residents are.’’
The grants will also benefit a wide range of people – from funding to start a new Rainbow’s Group for the under 7s in Montagu to the launch of a lunch club in Cowgate.
According to Coun. Lambert all the funded projects will help meet local needs – they will tackle some environmental improvements in open spaces, promote healthier life-styles and create social opportunities.
For more info contact Stephen Lambert on 0780 156 1239