£210,000 funding boost for Suffolk projects bringing communities together

• Six charities and not‑for‑profit groups awarded Sizewell C Community Fund grants in latest round of funding
• Around £4m distributed to local projects since the fund was launched 18 months ago
• The Fund supports communities most affected by the construction of Sizewell C

Six organisations that support East Suffolk communities by bringing people together have been awarded a share of £210,000 from the Sizewell C Community Fund.

The latest round of funding has been presented to a wide range of projects, including sports clubs, community facilities and initiatives that promote positive mental health. With these awards, the total distributed since the fund launched just over 18 months ago now stands at around £4m.

Among the latest recipients is Catch22 Suffolk Positive Futures, a youth wellbeing programme, which has received an £11,000 grant to deliver football and boxing sessions for young people in Leiston.

Paul Knight, Project Manager, Catch22 Suffolk Positive Futures, said: “We’re delighted to have received funding from the Sizewell C Community Fund. Our project will provide local young people with more opportunities to take part in sport, promoting healthy lifestyles, confidence, teamwork and wellbeing. Activities will include boxing and football, with young people able to take part in one or both sessions on the same evening, helping them stay active and safe within their local community.”

Around 30 young people currently attend the sessions in Leiston following the project’s launch in October. The programme was initially made possible through funding from Sizewell C contractor Breheny Civil Engineering, as part of its social value commitments. Sessions take place every Monday from 7pm to 8pm at Leiston Leisure Centre and are open to young people aged 11 to 15.

Alfie, a young person who currently attends sessions in Leiston, added: “The Leiston football project has helped me improve my confidence. It’s nice to be able to play football and keep active with my mates in the evening when I wouldn’t always get the opportunity. It’s something I look forward to every week.”

Across Suffolk, Catch22 Suffolk Positive Futures runs 16 projects that use sport to build teamwork, provide a safe and supportive environment and introduce young people to positive role models.

The Sizewell C Community Fund, managed by Suffolk Community Foundation, is making around £2m available each year to projects in the East Suffolk Council area. It supports initiatives that promote the economic, social, or environmental wellbeing of communities closest to, and most affected by, the construction of Sizewell C.

Other organisations to benefit from a share of this round of funding include:

• Darsham Village Hall, which has been awarded £82,688 to create a new village green where community activities can take place
• Westleton Village Hall, which will receive £54,000 to help fund the second phase of a refurbishment project to bring the hall up to modern standards.
• 1st Saxmundham Scout Group, which has been awarded £17,448 to buy new equipment and run activities for members.
• Saxmundham Museum, which will receive £7,833 to help fund ongoing improvements.
• Suffolk Mind, which has been awarded £36,302 over three years to fund counselling and anxiety management courses for residents in Leiston and the surrounding areas.

For more information about the fund, eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit www.sizewellcfund.org.uk or call 01473 602 602.