Money Donated for Support of New Developments in Various Areas

Larkfleet Homes strengthens communities with its Community Fund

Grants to groups in Somerset, Thorney (Cambridgeshire), Leicestershire, Rutland, Donington (Lincolnshire), Peterborough, Sawtry (Cambridgeshire) and Moulton Chapel (Lincolnshire)

The Larkfleet Homes Community Fund has donated nearly £50,000 to community groups and ventures across the country which support the Larkfleet Homes vision of integrating new developments into the community.

The fund, intended for community groups which focus on activities that enhance or develop local communities, has welcomed applications from groups that promote the environment, support residents or bring communities together. Grants of up to £10,000 were awarded to each of seven projects that have a positive impact within the area.

The fund, which was recently relaunched, is designed to support charities or voluntary agencies which are based within ten miles (16 kilometres) of any housing development by Larkfleet Homes or Allison Homes, both part of The Larkfleet Group of Companies which is based in Bourne, Lincolnshire.

Applicants were invited to send their proposals which were then reviewed by a judging panel. The panel is managed by the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation which administers the fund.

The successful groups were awarded money for a range of projects:

• Thorney Parish Council, for a zip-wire, trampolines, outdoor gym and swings for the older children of Thorney.
• Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, for wood-working equipment for retiree volunteers to produce signage for interpretation and education.
• Donington Parish Council, to provide a garden shed and equipment for herb and wild flower beds.
• Families First Peterborough CIC, to continue an arts and crafts workshop for young people and adults who are leaving care homes to make their own way in the community.
• Sawtry and District Bowling Club, to provide ramps which will improve access to the club’s facilities.
• Moulton Chapel Youth & Community Centre, to build a playground including inclusive play equipment for children of all abilities.
• Somerset Sight Limited, to reduce isolation and loneliness by providing six additional outings for 12 sight-impaired adults.

Karl Hick, chief executive of Larkfleet Homes, said: “It’s really important to us that when we build new homes for people, we actually develop communities. Being able to support the fantastic charities and volunteer groups in the areas we are working in is vital. These groups are very often the backbone of the community and the support which the winners of this round of funding offer to the people who use their services is immeasurable.

“Thank you to everyone who contacted us about the fund. We really look forward to hearing over the coming months how the donation has helped your group.”

Karen Leader of Sawtry and District Bowling Club said: “As a club we’re really passionate about bringing together a wide range of different people from our community. It helps reduce isolation for some and encourages people to take part in physical activity which is fantastic.

“By successfully being granted money from the Larkfleet Homes Community Fund, we’ll be able to make our club even more inclusive by improving access to the bowling green and club house.  People of all abilities will be able to take part. We are so grateful, and I know it will help make people happier, healthier and feel more connected for years to come.”

Cambridgeshire Community Foundation manages The Larkfleet Homes Community Fund on Larkfleet’s behalf. Any community or voluntary group wishing to find out more about the fund can visit www.tiny.cc/larkfleet-fund, telephone 01223 410535 or email info@cambscf.org.uk.