Date posted 13 Jun 2022
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The Welwyn Hatfield Community Fund (WHCF) is proving to be a great support to projects in the local community. In recent months, several applicants have been successful with their funding bids, taking our funding total to over £145,000.

Although there are criteria for funding, when applying, there is a lot of diversity in the projects we support. Our latest group of beneficiaries have included a local Tea dance, Scout Group, Cricket club and Nature reserve. Each of these projects is unique, different in a lot of ways! However their aim, like ours, is to improve the wellbeing of the community by increasing physical activity, and improving mental health. Here’s what the recent projects are all about;

Woodhall Tea Dance, is a group for the over 50’s, who meet monthly. It gives users the chance to be physically active and meet with others, whether they have danced before or are a complete beginner. They also involve community and church groups, those that feel isolated and people in wheelchairs. Everyone is welcome along for a dance, a tea, or a chat. With the support of the WHCF they are aiming to increase the numbers of sessions they can run.

The Chimera Explorer Scout Unit is based in Welwyn Garden City, for young people aged 14-18. Each week they meet to try new things, make new friends and gain skills for life. The group do lots of activities, both at their base and away on trips. The funding they received from the WHCF is going towards new equipment; to increase the amount of activities they can take part in, and enabling them to grow their Scout numbers. More young people in the community will be able to benefit form being a part of the unit.

North Mymms Cricket Club has developed a new programme to increase participation in girls and women’s cricket at the club over the next year. There will be sessions specifically for girls, with the aim to create an under 11’s cricket team and also a women’s softball team.  The club have been supported by the WHCF with their project, as they are increasing the opportunities for female sport in the area.

The Friends of Danesbury Fernery (FODF) are a volunteer group who manage the Fernery in the Local Nature Reserve at Danesbury Park. Getting out in nature brings huge benefits to people’s mental and physical health. Making sure we have spaces where the community can get out and enjoy walking, or being in nature is important. The WHCF, have helped to fund a restoration project organised by the FODF, to make sure the Fernery remains a place for the public to enjoy.

The WHCF welcomes applications from individuals, groups, schools and organisations who feel they would benefit from funding. With a simple application form and no funding deadlines, the WHCF is accessible to the community at all times.  

Submit your application by emailing WHCF@gll.org