23 representatives from 12 organisations within Stevenage came together to celebrate receiving their grants from the Community Chest Fund.

Thank you to all the organisations who took the time to apply for grants this year, there were record numbers of applications received.

Six contractors working locally in the town kindly donated a grand total of £19,000. A big thank you goes out to Mulalley, Wates, Lovell Partnerships, Aaron Services, EEM and Reef Group. This grant funding goes towards helping local community groups, each one of them undertaking fantastic work and helping the people of Stevenage.

Each of the contractors work closely with the Stevenage Works group, managed by Stevenage Borough Council. They carry out repairs, and major work refurbishment contracts and are also completing some of the regeneration happening within the town. They contribute towards providing local opportunities for local people, offering training and employing local where possible too. It’s great they’re also able to support fantastic causes such as the Community Chest Fund. Without them, it would be impossible to offer grants such as this, that go towards helping our community.

Out of the 30 submissions, 12 local organisations were selected, each receiving the grant funding to put towards the work they do to help Stevenage residents. The cheque presentation took place at the council offices in Daneshill House, being opened by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Henry, and The Mayor, Councillor Myla Arceno.

Congratulations to all the organisations:

• Babyshed (Stevenage Vineyard) - £1,500
• Bedwell Community Association - £1,920
• Bedwell Rangers Football Club - £500
• East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity - £1,000
• Everyone Active - £2,080
• Friends of Hampson Park - £500
• Grace Community Church - £2,000
• Pin Green Community Association - £3,000
• St Nich’s Litter Pickers - £500
• Stevenage Community Trust - £3,500
• Stevenage Cycling Hub - £1,500
• Stevenage Repair Café - £1,000

Awards were presented to the representatives of the community groups by the contractors, The Leader, The Mayor, and Matt Partridge, CEO of Stevenage Borough Council.

Councillor Myla Arceno, The Stevenage Mayor said: “It’s a real privilege to be able to present these grants for the benefit of our Stevenage Community. The work they do goes a long way to help others and this money will support them to carry on doing this. Thank you to everyone who took the time to come along, it’s humbling to see the impact that everyone has within our community here.”

Councillor Richard Henry, Leader of the Council said: “Thank you to all the contractors donating today. Without their generosity, it would be impossible to support these organisations that have a huge impact in the community of Stevenage. Keep up the fantastic work and we look forward to seeing lots of local groups applying for the funding next year.”

If you’re a local contractor and would like to join the Stevenage Works group, please contact the Stevenage Works Team at Stevenageworks@stevenage.gov.uk.