Small Grants for Community Groups

In February 2008, after a year of funding projects, run by clubs, groups and individuals in the Margate and Cliftonville area, the Safer Stronger Communities Fund had a small amount of capital funding left to allocate.

In order for the remaining funding to benefit as many groups as possible, up to £1,500 funding was made available. The funds were available for improving the structure of community buildings or for buying equipment for projects.

Community and voluntary groups or organisations were encouraged to apply for this funding in February 2008, with project spend being completed by end March of the same year.

The SSCF Executive Board awarded funding for the following 10 projects, which allocated the remaining capital funding for the SSCF Programme.

Boxing Ring with Workstations

Isle of Thanet Amateur Boxing Club was awarded SSCF funding to buy a new portable Boxing ring with workstations to hang punch bags and a speedball. Isle Of Thanet ABC is open to young people in the local community and reaches young people by working in partnership with Sport 4 NRG, Connexions, Youth Inclusion Programmes and the Youth Offending Service.

Education Room

The Lighthouse Project received funding to equip the Education Room in their supported housing project for young people (aged 16-25) who are otherwise homeless. Many of these young people have not completed secondary education and also lack the self-confidence to attend Adult Education. When they are able to attend formal education, they need support and a place like the Education Room in which to conduct their studies.

Also see previously funded Kenward Trust CCTV project

Play Equipment

Penguins Pre-School received funding to buy high quality play equipment, located at St Paul’s Community Centre in Cliftonville. SSCF funding bought solid hardwood role-play units, storage trolleys and wooden blocks.

Central Studios Facelift

SSCF funds were used to repair and improve the outside appearance of Central Studios, a building located within Margate Central ward, which has full wheelchair access and spaces to suit meetings, workshops and rehearsals. At the time of funding it was used for Chalkfoot Theatre’s own activities and hired to local groups and organisations.

St John’s Neighbourhood Action Group

The St John’s Neighbourhood Action Group used SSCF funding to tidy up and ‘beautify’ a scruffy area in St John’s, Margate. Three planters have been added to an existing bench area and the fence has been painted to make it a pleasant place to sit. The resident’s group is working hard to improve the area generally, with street cleaning days and regular meetings to create a community feel amongst the people that live in this area.

New Tables for Ramillies Explorer Sea Scouts

Ramillies Explorer Sea Scouts is a strong unit of 30 members (boys and girls) aged between 14 and 18 who meet in the Cliftonville area. SSCF funding has been used to purchase 10 collapsible tables and a storage trolley that will provide better working facilities for the members of the unit.

Finishing Touches to St Paul’s Community Centre

The Welfare Officer at St Paul’s applied for additional funding to put the finishing touches to their improved community centre. New signage, chairs for the hall and dining room tables for the Café have helped to create a more welcoming environment for everyone. New chairs in the hall are expected to increase the number of bookings for the hall for group events and thus increase the income of the Centre in the future. St Paul’s can be contacted on 01843 221290

Art for All Pottery Classes

Art for all and the Vision 4 Future projects ran pottery classes for people of all ages using their new pottery wheel and kiln funded by SSCF. People with learning difficulties and disabilities also benefited as the new equipment brought in something more tactile and fun for the groups to work with. Pottery is one of the only tactile crafts for blind people and this equipment enabled Art for All to provide workshops for all the Vision 4 Future participants. Contact E-mail Helen at helen@artforall.eu

Office Desks

When Wantsum Savers The Isle of Thanet Credit Union moved to larger premises in Margate High Street they received funding from SSCF to buy office desks and screens for their new office.