News

Community groups across Wakefield District are encouraged to apply for a WDH Community Grant of up to £1500 between 6 August- 14 September.

WDH has awarded the Wakefield Music Collective £500 to help them hold the annual music festival.

Catch A Falling Star, an adult mental health support group was awarded £780 by WDH’s Community Grant Scheme.

Ossett War Memorial Community Centre is benefitting from upgraded catering equipment thanks to a WDH Community Grant worth over £1000.

The WDH Community Grant Scheme is now open for local community groups and voluntary clubs to apply for up to £1,500. The cash boost can help towards existing services, buying equipment or paying for an event. The aim is to increase community spirit and enhance the quality of life for local people. Karen Deeley from Eastmoor Community Garden Association, whose art workshop project received funding from WDH, told us what the grant meant to her. "Five art workshops have taken place and the project has proved to be a wonderful experience.  Children aged between three and seven participated and created underwater scene art, willow wreathes and clay models.  As well as getting arty, people enjoyed exploring the community garden during their visits and learning about all the produce grown there.  On behalf of the Eastmoor Community Garden Association, I thank WDH for the support.  Without the grant received, none of this would have been possible." Applications are open from 7 August to 22 September 2017. For more information click here.

The Old Quarry Adventure Playground (The Addy) has received funding from WDH to provide free food for kids during the Summer holidays. The group applied for a WDH Community Grant to give free lunch to children who attend play sessions at the Addy over the Summer. As children don’t receive free school meals in the holidays, the Addy aims to reduce the financial burden on parents and make sure that children eat properly over the Summer break. The group at the Addy will teach kids how to make their own meals and introduce new healthy snacks. Michelle Bartram, from The Addy said: "We are piloting the holiday lunches this Summer. In cooperation with WDH, Morrisons and the Knottingley Food Bank we can provide 40 free dinners a day for a total of 21 days. The pilot seems successful, kids love making their own food and it helps parents out too!” Claire Secker, Tenant Involvement Officer at WDH said: “WDH work closely with The Addy throughout the year and I was happy to assist and support the application for a WDH Community Grant.  This project has given the children something to do during the school holidays and also ensured they have had a healthy lunch.  During my visit to a session it was great to see children enjoying preparing and trying new food.”

Local groups can apply for up to £1500 to help fund community projects. WDH is inviting applications from local community groups or voluntary clubs to boost existing services, buy equipment or pay for an event. The aim is to increase community spirit and enhance the quality of life for local people. Last year one of the many groups that benefited from the scheme was the West End Terriers. They received funding for new training footballs and poles and new football nets to help improve their game. Dale Appleton, from The West End Terriers, said: “It is a superb opportunity for volunteer run organisations to ensure they can remain operational. Without this help and support we would not have been able to provide the much needed training equipment for our members to help them improve and up their game.” Applications open from 3 April to 19 May 2017.  WDH can provide help to complete the application form if needed. For further information visit https://www.wdh.co.uk/OurCommunities , call 01977 788807 or email neighbourhoodpanels@wdh.co.uk.  

Members of The Five Towns Stroke Group are now enjoying more trips this summer thanks to a grant of over £2,000 from WDH as part of its 10 year anniversary grant initiative.

Footballers have been blazing a trail in their bright red strip bought with a WDH Community Grant.