Across the UK, support services have seen their funding reduced or stagnate against the backdrop of rising costs and increased demand. These have included support for:
- Domestic abuse
- Youth engagement
- Early childhood development
- Food insecurity
These issues are particularly pressing as communities strive to recover and rebuild post pandemic.
In Letchworth, we see these national challenges reflected in our community.
- Families requiring support to overcome domestic abuse
- Youth organisations needing resources to foster engagement and adventure
- Early childhood programs seeking equipment to provide high quality sessions
- Families on lower incomes looking for ways to ensure their children are well-nourished and engaged during school holidays
In July 2024, Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation's Grants Committee met and agreed £27,000 of funding across five local organisations. This support is instrumental in addressing the pressing needs within our community. The five groups are:
Read Easy: £2,000 to train reading coaches and provide materials for adult residents learning to read. This initiative will empower adults with essential literacy skills, fostering greater independence and opportunities. Read Easy is a national charity that trains volunteers and provides them with resources to become Read Easy coaches.
Friends of SADA: £10,000 to provide a support worker and art therapist for families affected by domestic abuse. This funding will enhance the support network for these families, offering both practical and emotional assistance. Historically, Letchworth has experienced significantly higher rates of domestic abuse compared to other nearby towns.
Letchworth and Baldock District Scouts: £2,500 to purchase five new tents suitable for mountain camps. This investment will enable the LBDS Explorers to participate in annual peak assaults and planned mountain expeditions throughout the year. These expeditions help to develop the leadership skills, communication skills and personal resilience of those taking part.
Early Birds Pre-School: £8,000 to purchase equipment for children attending the new 0-2 community pre-school in West View. Unicef’s, early moments matter campaign shares why the right food, stimulation and care are essential to a baby’s brain development in the first 1,000 days of life. This funding will enable Early Birds to invest in a range of equipment aimed at providing the best environment for children to thrive.
Let's Make Lunch: £4,500 to run food-based activities during school holidays for families on lower incomes. This program not only provides nutritious meals and arts and crafts activities, it also fosters community and teaches valuable cooking skills. Funding will support 18 months of food-based provision for Letchworth families. Let’s Make Lunch, an initiative led by the New Life Church based at Mrs Howard Hall, is delivered in partnership with Churches Together. This collaboration draws together volunteers from various churches across the town and utilises church facilities to provide food and activities during school holidays.
Feedback from the Community….
We continually collect feedback to understand the impact of our grants. One parent shared their experience with the Let's Make Lunch program:
“The Make Lunch team offers a listening ear or a hug when needed - and delicious meals. They taught me how to make delicious meals on a budget and, honestly, without their services I wouldn't be half the mum I am today! My family and I adore the Make Lunch team."
Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation remains committed to supporting local organisations that make a tangible difference in our community. We encourage other community members and organisations to get involved, whether through volunteering, donations, or spreading the word about these vital services. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more resilient Letchworth.
Grant applications are usually completed online and then proposed to the grants committee who meet regularly to discuss the details of each application.
The Grants committee meet four weeks after each deadline, and we accept grants applications any time during the year. Potential applicants are advised to visit https://www.letchworth.com/grants before the respective deadline.
Please be advised through our wider grants program, we are working closely with schools around mental health programs. However, if you are looking to do something in the community, based on young people’s mental health, please contact Alastair.stewart@letchworth.com or call 07714 521567 for an initial chat to discuss.
