Local Organisations Receive Vital Grant Funding
Last week, the Civic Head of Ashington had the honour of presenting grant fund checks to several deserving community groups and organisations. These local groups had successfully applied and been approved for the Town Council's Small Grant Fund, which provides vital financial support for initiatives that benefit Ashington residents. The Civic Head was able to formally recognise the important work being done by these community organisations and help further their impact by distributing the grant monies awarded to them through the Town Council's program.
The Civic Head comments; "It was a privilege to be able to support local groups making a difference in Ashington".
Friends of Ashington Community Woods
The Friends of Ashington Community Woods, a group of dedicated volunteers caring for local woodlands, was awarded £500 by the Ashington Town Council Small Grant Fund. This grant will allow the purchase of essential tree guards to protect newly planted trees from damage by deer in the woods.
The volunteers have been working to refresh a section of the Community Woods that was originally planted 15-20 years ago with a diverse mix of tree species like Oak, Ash, Beech, Scots Pine and Birch. As this area matures, new saplings were added over the past six months to bolster the canopy. The £500 grant will provide galvanized guards to shield the young trees and support their healthy establishment.
The Friends group is also seeking additional major funding sources to fully achieve their vision of revitalising this important green space for the benefit of Ashington residents. The Town Council grant will make a real difference in protecting and nurturing the next generation of trees in the beloved Community Woods.
Pride Action North
Pride Action North, an Ashington-based charity supporting LGBTQIA+ people across Northumberland, has been awarded £500 from the Ashington Town Council's small grant fund.
Originally founded in 2017 as Northumberland Pride Limited, the organization rebranded in 2023 as Pride Action North after extensive consultation. Their work focuses on community outreach, youth programs, training, events, and providing critical services to LGBTQIA+ people in need.
With a dedicated staff of 7 and a board including local representation, Pride Action North continues to grow to meet the needs of an underserved population across the region. The Town Council grant will support their ability to empower and give visibility to LGBTQIA+ individuals in the Ashington community and beyond.
Climate Action Wansbeck
The newly formed Climate Action Wansbeck was awarded £500 by the Ashington Town Council grant fund to collaborate with Wansbeck Road Allotments on creating a community orchard.
The grant will provide vital supplies like edging, weed barrier cloth, and gravel to construct accessible paths through the orchard. Once established, Climate Action Wansbeck plans to host public open days at the orchard to bring the community together.
Founded in April 2023, Climate Action Wansbeck's mission is to raise awareness about humanity's climate impact and drive local solutions. By working with the allotments on this sustainable green project, they hope to inspire climate-friendly actions while fostering connections between Ashington residents.
The Town Council's grant will empower Climate Action Wansbeck to turn the community orchard vision into reality. This initiative aligns perfectly with their goals of mitigating environmental harm and engaging people in the process.
North East Immediate Care
The volunteer emergency responders of North East Immediate Care have been awarded £500 by the Ashington Town Council small grant fund.
These highly-trained healthcare professionals donate their free time to act as first responders for 999 calls in partnership with ambulance services. By providing additional skills and equipment, they can deliver critical emergency care and help save lives.
Just this year, North East Immediate Care volunteers based in the north have already aided in 7 life-threatening situations in Ashington alone, supporting the ambulance service in the community.
The Town Council grant will support these unpaid volunteers to continue providing their vital services across the region. Ashington residents' lives may one day depend on these brave individuals who selflessly give their time to respond in times of crisis.
Ashington Town Council also awarded £500 grants to several other community organisations through its small grant fund, including:
- Ashington Panto Group, to support costs of equipment and supplies for their productions.
- Seaton Hirst Veterans Institute, to help offset rising utility bills and keep membership affordable for their 62 members.
- Wansbeck Christmas Appeal, to aid their mission of providing gifts for struggling families. With the cost of living crisis, they anticipate increased need to support hundreds of children this holiday season.
Groups received grants to support initiatives—from the arts to veteran care to holiday charity—that give back to the Ashington community. Despite facing its own budget challenges, the Town Council recognises the immense value these organisations provide residents across Ashington. The grant fund enables the good work of local nonprofits to continue flourishing.
Ashington community groups and organizations! Ashington Town Council will begin accepting applications for 2024 Small Grant Funds of up to £500 in January.
If your group provides valuable services and enrichment to Ashington residents, consider applying for these grants to support your continued operations and programming.
The Town Council recognises the immense contributions made by local nonprofits and community organisations across Ashington. The Small Grant Fund seeks to give back and empower these groups to thrive.
Grants have previously been awarded for purposes ranging from performance arts supplies to utility bills for a veterans organisation. Your group could be next!
For more details and application instructions, visit our funding page here. Let's continue building community.
