Community Grants help horses, scouts and healthy lungs

23rd Itchen North Scout Group Scouts from the 23rd Itchen North Scout Group finally enjoyed a summer camp, delayed for three years because of Covid. The scouts camped in patrols and cooked for themselves - and their Community Grant paid for new equipment, such as pots, pans and utensils which made the camp possible.

Citizens Advice

During Covid, Citizens Advice had to adapt their service to enable volunteers to work from home, where they had to use their own IT equipment. This presented a risk to the charity - and new Chromebooks, funded by an Eastleigh Local Area Committee Community Grant, allowed volunteers to work from anywhere. Chief Officer, Annabella Crawford, said: “The Chromebooks have been very well received by our hard-working volunteer team and ensured that the flexible working methods we have developed continue to add to the benefits of giving time to help our community.”

Hedge End Town Council Youth Service

The HEWEB Community Grant received by the Hedge End Town Council Youth Service was used to buy a games console and games, with microphones and extra controllers. These are used weekly by the Friday Night Project and the Junior Youth Club. They chose fun games that young people can play together, including dancing and singing, to help club members make friends.

Hampshire Spirit Horse Rescue

The Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee (HEWEB) Community Grant received by the Hampshire Spirit Horse Rescue charity helped fund fencing around a new paddock, allowing them to rotate their fields to accommodate additional ponies and horses. Kaylie from the charity said: “Having the additional paddock has enabled us to help the community and other charities by taking their horses in and having a safe environment while we find them new homes.”

Hedge End Breathe Easy group

A group that helps people with respiratory conditions bought new exercise equipment with their HEWEB Community Grant.

‘Therabands’ have replaced weights at some of their exercise classes as they are easy to store and transport. The money also paid for sessions with a personal trainer. One group member said: “I look forward to our weekly exercise class, with good company, a chance to talk over problems and have a laugh.”