Good practice and resources

Where to get support - useful support links for communities and residents

Community Grant Projects

The following resources give helpful examples of eligible projects which would fit the grant criteria, as well as the key areas to focus on when drawing up your project plan:-

 

Successfully Completed Projects

Newton Harcourt Reading Room

In a village with no pub, sporting facilities, play areas or bus route, the Reading Room, which dates back to 1912, is the only social and recreational facility for residents. The Committee formed a social group with the aim of providing more community events to reduce loneliness and promote community cohesion and well-being. The Community Grant has recently enabled the purchase of a pool table, shuffleboard, table tennis, projector screen and surround sound equipment. These items have already started to have a positive impact, enabling a greater range of activities and social events to be held to attract a wider range of age groups from the village. With a busy calendar of pub nights, quizzes, coffee mornings, yoga, party bookings and music and talk events, the Reading Room also hopes the projection equipment and wifi availability might attract bookings from other more activity groups, as wells as charities or businesses looking to host meetings.

St Nicholas Church Fleckney

The church used the Community Grant to replace the leaking roof on their church hall which had led to the cancellation of some activities and damage to walls and paintwork. The facility includes a small kitchen from which teas and light refreshments are prepared for parties and events as well as the diverse user groups, which range from a choir group, flower club and crafts to Sunday School, school holiday clubs, Messy church and charity concerts.

Tur Langton Village Hall

A Community Grant was awarded to the Village Hall who needed to buy a replacement foldable table tennis table for a local club who meet regularly to play there free of charge. The group were formed several years ago to create a regular event for villagers to do something healthy during the dark, winter evenings. With players aged 10 - 70, having 2 tables has enabled this group to double its membership, welcome all abilities and play all year round. Having a local table tennis facility has proved a great way for newcomers to the village to become part of the community and for residents living on their own to get together with other people locally. The Village Hall promotes the club, as well as all its activities, in its newsletter to encourage health and wellbeing and a cohesive, involved community which has much to offer all residents, especially those who may feel lonely.

Lutterworth Town Council – Crescent Road Playground and Pavilion

Lutterworth Town Council received Community and S106 grants towards their projects to revamp two under-used community facilities. Firstly, colourful, engaging modern play equipment has been installed in the Crescent Road playground to revitalize a previously outdated and underused community space. The refurbishment included the installation of modern, accessible play equipment, improved safety surfacing, seating areas and enhanced landscaping. Increased footfall has shown its value as a community asset, becoming a popular destination for families, schools and local childminders. As a result, the project has played a vital community role in promoting wellbeing, inclusivity, community pride and social connections.

The sports pavilion also underwent a significant transformation, following the Town Council's decision to adapt the building for greater community use. The ambitious refurbishment involved changing the internal structure of the building, removing the ‘rabbit warren’ of changing rooms, shower blocks, stores and offices and creating two large multifunctional spaces created in their place. Solar panels were then installed to reduce the building’s carbon footprint and rising energy costs, thereby helping maintain affordable rates for the benefit of the many users including community groups and charities. The new facility is now a smart and versatile community asset, able to accommodate around 250 people, thereby widening the number and range of people able to benefit. Activities now include  performances, conferencing, parties, weddings and fitness and activity classes. Accessibility has also been greatly improved, both in terms of physical aids and meeting modern standards as well as increased booking slots.