Funding extended for vital local organisations
In the face of ongoing challenges in the charitable sector, Test Valley Borough Council has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local communities by approving the extension of funding for four local organisations for an additional year.
The purpose of this fund is to support and develop the community and voluntary sector, in order to increase the quality of life of residents in Test Valley, whilst also reducing demand on public services. Youth in Romsey, Age Concern, King Arthur’s Way Community Association (KAWCA), and MIND will now each receive an additional year of funding from the Council to continue their important work.
Cllr Terese Swain, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure, said:
“Since 2022, our revenue funding program has been instrumental in supporting and developing the community and voluntary sector. The current funding landscape for charitable organisations remains tough, exacerbated by the high cost of living and the challenges being faced by many of these organisations service users.
“By extending funding for another year we’re providing a degree of consistency and stability to these organisations, so they can continue their valuable work supporting those who are most at risk in our communities. The decision also aligns with our Corporate Plan, which prioritises community empowerment and sustainability.”
Lisa Langham, Head of Business Development and Resources at Andover Mind said:
"It is great news that Test Valley Borough Council are supporting our Ugly Duckling Project again this year. This project is led by our team of dedicated volunteers and is a lifeline for them as many live on their own and could be at risk of social isolation. The project supports participants to develop new skills and confidence whilst preventing items going into landfill by recycling and upcycling donated furniture.”
Verity Ballantyne-Cook, Community Centre Manager at King Arthur’s Way Community Association (KAWCA), added:
“This funding from Test Valley Borough Council is invaluable and we are incredibly grateful. It will allow us to continue to provide free services to the local community and wider Andover area which help so many people in various ways; particularly during this cost-of-living crisis.”
The funding will go a long way towards helping KAWCA to continue to be able to offer the following free services available to everyone in Andover:
- Job Club every Tuesday (term-time)
- The Bereavement Group every third Monday of every month
- Comfort Café and Thrift Shop Warm Hub every Wednesday (term-time)
- Coffee and Chat Warm Hub the first and third Thursday of every month.
Find out more about these events and more on the King Arthur’s Hall website at https://www.kingarthurswayhall.org.uk/Community-Events.php