£440,000 of 'life changing' grants confirmed for Gateshead community spaces
Community and voluntary sector organisations across Gateshead are set to benefit from the council's Pride in Place Impact Fund, with a total of £440,000 community grants allocated to fund 19 projects.
Last year, the council received £1.5m from the Pride in Place Impact Fund to use for immediate improvement work to places and spaces valued by local communities.
A total of £340,000 of the Pride in Place Impact Fund was allocated to the Community Capital Grants Programme, which was increased due to high demand to offer £440,000.
The council has now confirmed grants between £5,000 and £30,000 to VCSE organisations across the borough. These grants aim to support projects that improve or create community spaces and enhance facilities that promote health, wellbeing, and community cohesion.
One of the organisations receiving almost £30,000 in funding is St Chad's Community Project, based in Bensham. The project will fund the renovation of St Chad's Community Project's existing kitchen and main hall to create a fully equipped Kitchen and Skills Hub, transforming the space into an accessible, training-standard facility with improved storage, dedicated preparation space and wheelchair‑height counters. The adjoining hall will also be upgraded with durable flooring and wipeable surfaces to provide a flexible, safe and hygienic space for workshops, community groups, youth activities and events.
Councillor Maria Hall, cabinet member for localities, communities and volunteering at Gateshead Council, said:
"We couldn't be prouder of the voluntary and community sector organisations across Gateshead working to make our borough a place where people feel connected to their wider communities. One of these incredible projects, St Chad's, showcases just how important these organisations are to our residents - bringing people together from across Bensham for a range of health and wellbeing activities, above and beyond their new community market. We must do everything we can to support these organisations to thrive; for many, the Pride in Place Impact Fund will be life changing."
Leanne Coxon, Chief Executive Officer at St Chad's Community Project, said:
"Since launching our community market in September, we've welcomed more than 1,000 members. This investment will allow us to grow our impact, expanding our capacity, enhancing the quality of our offer, and developing a wider programme of food and skills-based activities. Our vision is to build a vibrant and resilient community in Bensham and strengthening community connections is at the heart of everything we do, it's fantastic to see that recognised and supported by the council."
Judith Wood-Archer, Chair of Trustees at St Chads, added:
"We're thrilled to have been selected as part of Pride in Place. Bensham is a truly special place, and this funding will help us build on that strong sense of pride and resilience within our community."
The full list of organisations receiving grants of between £5,000 and £30,000 are:
- Gym Possible
- Christ Church, Felling (Parochial Church Council), Diocese of Durham
- Edberts House
- Gateshead Older People's Assembly
- Handcrafted
- St Alban's Church, Windy Nook
- St Chad's Community Project
- Triangular CIO
- Gateshead Clubhouse
- Oasis Aquila Housing
- Tyne Valley Health and Wellbeing CIC
- Whickham Volunteer Library Association
- Dunston Community Centre
- Love Dunston
- Feeding Families
- St Andrews Church Hall
- Emma Hall
- Brighten Ryton Local Environment Group
- The Winlaton Centre CIO
Community and voluntary sector organisations across Gateshead are set to benefit from the council's Pride in Place Impact Fund, with a total of £440,000 community grants allocated to fund 19 projects.
Last year, the council received £1.5m from the Pride in Place Impact Fund to use for immediate improvement work to places and spaces valued by local communities.
A total of £340,000 of the Pride in Place Impact Fund was allocated to the Community Capital Grants Programme, which was increased due to high demand to offer £440,000.
The council has now confirmed grants between £5,000 and £30,000 to VCSE organisations across the borough. These grants aim to support projects that improve or create community spaces and enhance facilities that promote health, wellbeing, and community cohesion.
One of the organisations receiving almost £30,000 in funding is St Chad's Community Project, based in Bensham. The project will fund the renovation of St Chad's Community Project's existing kitchen and main hall to create a fully equipped Kitchen and Skills Hub, transforming the space into an accessible, training-standard facility with improved storage, dedicated preparation space and wheelchair‑height counters. The adjoining hall will also be upgraded with durable flooring and wipeable surfaces to provide a flexible, safe and hygienic space for workshops, community groups, youth activities and events.
Councillor Maria Hall, cabinet member for localities, communities and volunteering at Gateshead Council, said:
"We couldn't be prouder of the voluntary and community sector organisations across Gateshead working to make our borough a place where people feel connected to their wider communities. One of these incredible projects, St Chad's, showcases just how important these organisations are to our residents - bringing people together from across Bensham for a range of health and wellbeing activities, above and beyond their new community market. We must do everything we can to support these organisations to thrive; for many, the Pride in Place Impact Fund will be life changing."
Leanne Coxon, Chief Executive Officer at St Chad's Community Project, said:
"Since launching our community market in September, we've welcomed more than 1,000 members. This investment will allow us to grow our impact, expanding our capacity, enhancing the quality of our offer, and developing a wider programme of food and skills-based activities. Our vision is to build a vibrant and resilient community in Bensham and strengthening community connections is at the heart of everything we do, it's fantastic to see that recognised and supported by the council."
Judith Wood-Archer, Chair of Trustees at St Chads, added:
"We're thrilled to have been selected as part of Pride in Place. Bensham is a truly special place, and this funding will help us build on that strong sense of pride and resilience within our community."
The full list of organisations receiving grants of between £5,000 and £30,000 are:
- Gym Possible
- Christ Church, Felling (Parochial Church Council), Diocese of Durham
- Edberts House
- Gateshead Older People's Assembly
- Handcrafted
- St Alban's Church, Windy Nook
- St Chad's Community Project
- Triangular CIO
- Gateshead Clubhouse
- Oasis Aquila Housing
- Tyne Valley Health and Wellbeing CIC
- Whickham Volunteer Library Association
- Dunston Community Centre
- Love Dunston
- Feeding Families
- St Andrews Church Hall
- Emma Hall
- Brighten Ryton Local Environment Group
- The Winlaton Centre CIO
