The Epsom & Ewell Community Fund has supported four inspiring local community projects in its first round of grant awards.
The grants have funded local charities and community groups based within Epsom and Ewell to help vulnerable people access training, conserve the local environment, support local homeless people and help disadvantaged young people access sport.
A grant of £1,000 supported the Richmond Fellowship to expand their Old Moat Garden Centre Café in Epsom to help more people gain work experience and training. The project offers people with mental health problems, the opportunity to enrol in training and work experience programmes in a realistic, commercial, but supportive environment.
Another grant of £500 to the Epsom Common Association has helped this volunteer led group to continue their project converting timber from local conservation activities into charcoal. By continuing this ancient craft, the project minimises environmental impact, promotes sustainable practices and uses the sale of the charcoal to fund further nature conservation on Epsom Common.
Other grants awarded include:
– £900 to The Meeting Room to support a drop in centre for homeless and marginalized people in Epsom & Ewell
– £900 to Epsom and Ewell Colts Youth Football Club to fund subsidised places for young people to play football
Founder of the Epsom & Ewell Community Fund, Mayor, Councillor Chris Frost explains
We are delighted to award our first grants to such inspirational groups working across the Borough. This Fund provides a permanent source of funding for local people; run by local people, who care about Epsom & Ewell.
A number of local businesses and individuals, including Epsom Coaches and the Rolf Charitable Trust, have been quick to see the benefits of the Fund and already signed up as founding donors.
Melanie Cox, Epsom Coaches Group and Fund Panel Member explained
“This fund provides the perfect way for our staff to give back to the local area and be involved in the grant making process, I am delighted this was elected by our team as our chosen charity to support this year and would recommend other local companies join us in supporting the Fund.”
