Ashington Town Council Celebrates Community Spirit with £82,521 Investment in Local Groups
Ashington Town Council is proud to announce it has awarded £82,521 to 20 outstanding local organisations through its Annual Grants Scheme, demonstrating the Council's unwavering commitment to supporting the incredible network of voluntary and community groups that make our town such a special place to live.
Following a comprehensive review by councillors and officers, this year's annual grants programme has funded an impressive range of initiatives - from youth sports and creative arts to emergency food provision and specialist support services - ensuring vital funding reaches where it's needed most.
Supporting Our Community Heroes
This year's successful applicants showcase the incredible breadth and depth of community spirit in Ashington. From Wansbeck Valley Food Bank providing emergency food parcels to those in crisis, to Ashington Hirst Running Club welcoming 250 members of all abilities from teenagers to pensioners, our funded groups touch every aspect of community life.
Young people are particularly well served, with £25,577 invested specifically in youth initiatives including YMCA Northumberland's five weekly sessions for 10-25 year olds, Mortal Fools theatre group supporting young people via arts and theatre, Ashington JW Rugby Club's schools development programme that attracted 20 new youth members last year, Ashington Town FC's weekly sport sessions for 4-5 year olds at Hirst Park PlayZone, Ability 2 Play upgrading equipment for young people with special needs, First 4 Darts expanding to accommodate more young participants, and Wansbeck Paddle Sports Club developing 12 young leaders and coaches.
Essential services get vital support through grants to Citizens Advice Northumberland (helping 105 local families in 2023-24), Escape Family Support (the county's only specialist addiction support service), and Full Circle Food Project promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles.
Sports and recreation thrive with funding for Ashington Cricket Club's essential safety equipment, Cambois Rowing Club's facility improvements, and Ashington Association FC's volunteer development project.
Community facilities, heritage and wellbeing receive investment through Ashington Joint Welfare Scheme (Hirst Welfare Centre's) sports hall floor replacement, Narrow Gauge Railway's heritage education space, North Seaton Colliery Community Centre's heating system upgrade, and Ashington Male Voice Choir's uniforms and heritage concert planning.
Innovative environmental and social projects are supported including Repurposeful CIC creating the North East's first Scrapstore for waste reduction and community reuse, and NCOS (Northumberland County of Sanctuary) providing football equipment to help asylum seekers and refugees integrate through sport.
These remarkable organisations don't just fill gaps in services; they create connections, build friendships, develop skills, and transform lives. Whether it's a warm meal from the food bank, a safe space for creative expression, or simply a place where neighbours become teammates, our funded groups provide support that touches every corner of our community.
A Strategic Investment in Community
The Council's assessment panel reviewed 24 applications totalling £96,341. Through careful evaluation against published criteria, they've ensured maximum community benefit while maintaining responsible stewardship of public funds. Recommendations were taken to the Council’s Finance and General Services Committee last Tuesday.
Councillor Lynne Grimshaw, Chair of the Council’s Finance and General Services Committee, said: "We're incredibly proud of the vibrant community spirit in Ashington. The quality of applications this year has been exceptional - every funded group scored highly against our assessment criteria, demonstrating genuine need, strong planning, and real impact for residents. Our voluntary groups don't just provide services – they embody the very best of what makes our town special."
How Residents Can Help
While the Council is delighted to provide financial support, these organisations rely on much more than grants to thrive. They need volunteers, participants, donations, and most importantly, the backing of local residents.
We encourage everyone to:
- Volunteer – Even an hour a month can make a huge difference
- Participate – Join activities, attend events, become a member
- Spread the word – Tell friends and family about groups that might help them
- Show appreciation – A simple 'thank you' means more than you know
- Stay informed – Follow groups on social media and celebrate their achievements
Looking Forward
The improved grants programme, developed through consultation with applicants and members, ensures that support continues to reach where it's needed most while maintaining high standards of accountability and transparency.
Chair of the Council, Cllr Mark Purvis commented: "The range of organisations we're supporting this year - from Ashington Male Voice Choir promoting wellbeing through singing, to Repurposeful CIC creating the North East's first Scrapstore for environmental sustainability, to NCOS supporting asylum seekers with sports equipment - shows how diverse and inclusive our community really is. Every pound invested will make a real difference to real people's lives."
Get Involved
These fantastic organisations need YOU:
- Volunteer with Narrow Gauge Railway - help restore our heritage
- Join Ashington Hirst Running Club - all abilities welcome, from run-walk beginners to seasoned athletes
- Support Full Circle Food Project - learn healthy eating and growing skills
- Get creative with Mortal Fools - drama and theatre for young people
- Visit the new First 4 Darts venue at Central Arcade
- Use Citizens Advice services if you need support
- Donate to Wansbeck Valley Food Bank - they provide emergency food parcels and support homeless individuals
- Try paddle sports with Wansbeck Paddle Club - welcoming new members of all ages
- Join YMCA Northumberland sessions - creative arts, cookery, music and more
- Support Ashington Male Voice Choir - singing promotes good health and wellbeing
- Use Hirst Welfare Centre facilities - gym, sports hall, café and community space
- Visit Repurposeful CIC's Scrapstore - find low-cost materials for creative projects
- Get involved in rugby at Ashington JW Rugby Club or football at Ashington Town FC and Ashington Association FC
- Try cricket at Ashington Cricket Club or rowing at Cambois Rowing Club
- Support NCOS work with asylum seekers and refugees
- Help Escape Family Support with their vital work supporting families affected by addiction
- Use North Seaton Colliery Community Centre for events and activities
- Join Ability 2 Play sessions for inclusive activities for all abilities
Information about getting involved with any of these remarkable groups is just a conversation away.
For more information about the grants programme or to find out about local voluntary organisations, contact Ashington Town Council. The next round of Small Grants will open on Wednesday 8th October, with a closing date of 22nd October.
