Toddlers' Healthy Eating Programme Launched after Cash Boost for Local Residents' Association
23/11/2009
A local residents’ association in Chester-le-Street has received a cash boost thanks to a new community development fund set up by social landlord, Cestria Community Housing.
The South Pelaw Residents’ Association, which are based at the Holyoake Community Centre in South Pelaw is the first group to benefit from Cestria’s Community Fund. A total of £500 was awarded to the Group which will be used to set up a healthy eating programme for the South Pelaw Toddlers Group.
The giving fund is managed by the County Durham Foundation, a local charity which manages funds and currently matches donations made by local individuals, families and companies who set up long-term funds to support small, grassroots community projects.
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The Foundation has been allocated £1.4 million by the Office of the Third Sector to distribute funding in support of grassroots community projects across County Durham and Darlington over the course of three years.
Organisations and individuals who are eligible to apply for Cestria’s Community Fund, must be small, volunteer-led, not-for-profit community groups, such as the South Pelaw Residents’ Association, and be connected with and/or meeting the needs of the local community.
Cestria Community Housing will support community activities that meet an identified need such as training for volunteers or purchasing equipment including gardening equipment, toys or furniture.
Vera Codling, Vice Chair at Cestria Community Housing said: “The association provides services to local communities across the Chester-le-Street district and this fund has been established to help small community groups gain access to additional funding and help them achieve their goals.
“I am delighted for South Pelaw Residents Association who will fund a new healthy eating programme for the local toddler group.”
Barbara Gubbins, Chief Executive of County Durham Foundation, said: “We are delighted that Cestria Community Housing has decided to create a lasting fund with the help of County Durham Foundation. It shows real foresight on their part that they are recognising the needs of the local area and the importance of developing a long-term source of funding for small community groups.
“We were also pleased to help double the value of this fund through the Grassroots Endowment Challenge, which matches £1 for £1 donations that support small, community and voluntary groups through a Government initiative managed by the Foundation.”
The toddler group, which runs twice a week from the Holyoake Community Centre was established four years ago by playgroup leader and former secretary of the South Pelaw Residents’ Association, Janet Ather. She said: “Without this grant, I don’t think we would have been able to survive as we rely on kind donations so I am delighted to accept this grant on behalf of the group.
“The healthy eating programme encourages toddlers and young people to eat fruit and low fat foods and aims to get the message across to children that it is good to eat together at meal times.”
To apply for a grant from this fund, residents and community groups are encouraged to contact the Grants Team at County Durham Foundation on 0191 383 0055 or visit www.countydurhamfoundation.co.uk.
Parents and guardians wishing to attend the toddler group at the Holyoake Community Centre should call Janet Ather on 0191 492 3528. The group runs twice a week on Thursday’s and Friday’s between 9.00am and 11.30am.
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