Ashington Town Council Champions Community Spirit with £71,547 Investment in Local Groups
Ashington Town Council is proud to announce it has awarded £71,547 to 18 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 the Grants Working Group and officers, this year's annual grants programme has funded an impressive range of initiatives, from youth development and heritage preservation 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 Foodbank replenishing emergency food stocks for families in crisis, to Ashington Colliery Band investing in new instruments for the first time since the 1980s, our funded groups touch every aspect of community life.
Young people are particularly well served, with £26,700 invested specifically in youth initiatives including YMCA Northumberland's five weekly sessions for 10–25 year olds, Mortal Fools theatre group supporting disadvantaged young people through the arts, Ashington Joint Welfare Rugby Football Club continuing its Schools Development Officer programme, Cambois Rowing Club purchasing boats to meet growing demand from young members, First 4 Darts expanding its venue with a kitchen and live streaming facilities, and Reiverdale Scout Group replacing a condemned boiler to restore a safe, warm space for young people.
Essential services receive vital support through grants to Citizens Advice Northumberland, helping thousands of Ashington households with welfare, debt, energy and housing advice, Escape Family Support (the county's only specialist addiction support service for families), and Full Circle Food Project promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles.
Sports and recreation thrive with funding for Ashington Rugby Cricket Club's urgently needed grass cutter for preparing over 50 wickets this season, Ashington Cricket Club's new disabled and family viewing area at Kenilworth Road, Ashington Hirst Running Club's equipment and coach qualifications, and Green Lane Disabled and Able-Bodied Archers' new weatherproof storage and accessibility project.
Community facilities, heritage and wellbeing receive investment through Ashington Colliery Band's new instruments, Woodhorn Narrow Gauge Railway's purpose-built engineering workshop, and Ashington Veterans & Elders Institute's essential maintenance and redecoration works.
Inclusive and community-focused projects are supported including Pride Action North providing an accessible town centre base for the local LGBTQIA+ community, and the Ashington Veterans & Elders Institute ensuring its facilities remain welcoming following the completion of its new extension.
These remarkable organisations don't just fill gaps in services; they create connections, build friendships, develop skills, and transform lives. Whether it's a meal from the food bank, a safe space for creative expression, a place of sporting challenge, or simply somewhere neighbours become teammates, our funded groups provide support that touches every corner of our community.
A Strategic Investment in Community
The Council's Grants Working Group reviewed 20 applications totalling £88,747. Through careful evaluation against published criteria, they have ensured maximum community benefit while maintaining responsible stewardship of public funds. Recommendations were taken to the Council's Finance and General Services Committee.
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 Colliery Band investing in its musical future, to Reiverdale Scout Group giving young people a safe and warm base, to Green Lane Archers creating accessible facilities for disabled members — 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 Woodhorn Narrow Gauge Railway — help restore our heritage in the new engineering workshop
- 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
- Try darts at First 4 Darts — now with expanded facilities at the Central Arcade venue
- Use Citizens Advice services if you need support with benefits, debt, housing or employment
- Donate to Wansbeck Valley Foodbank — they provide emergency food parcels to local families in crisis
- Join the YMCA Northumberland sessions — creative arts, cookery, music, singing and more for 10–25 year olds
- Support Ashington Colliery Band — a proud part of our musical heritage
- Get involved in rugby at Ashington JW Rugby Football Club or cricket at Ashington Rugby Cricket Club and Ashington Cricket Club
- Try archery at Green Lane Disabled and Able-Bodied Archers — inclusive sessions for all abilities
- Support Escape Family Support with their vital work helping families affected by addiction
- Help Reiverdale Scout Group empower young people to make a positive contribution to their community
- Contact Pride Action North for support and events for the local LGBTQIA+ community
- Use Ashington Veterans & Elders Institute for community space, activities and wellbeing
- Row with Cambois Rowing Club — growing fast and competing at national and international level
Information about getting involved with any of these remarkable groups is just a conversation away.
Small Grants Round — Opening 15 July 2026
Ashington Town Council is also pleased to confirm that the next round of Small Grants will open for applications on Wednesday 15 July 2026.
Following reflection on the previous round, which attracted a lower than expected number of applications, the Town Council recognised that the previous maximum award of £500 was no longer sufficient to make a meaningful difference for many local groups. With the rising cost of living and increasing costs for materials and equipment, the Council has agreed to raise the small grant cap. Groups can now apply for up to £1,000 in this round, opening Wednesday 15th July 2026.
We encourage any eligible community group, club or organisation based in Ashington to consider applying. Further details on eligibility criteria and how to apply are available on the Town Council website or from the office.
