Nine organisations across Thetford have received a combined £69,000 through the first round of the Community Support Fund …forThetford.
The grants, ranging from £1,220 to £10,000, have been awarded to voluntary and community organisations delivering projects across the town, including wellbeing services, youth sport, cancer support, vocational training and facilities.
The fund forms part of Thetford’s Pride in Place programme and has been delivered through a partnership between the …forThetford Neighbourhood Board and Norfolk Community Foundation.
Among the organisations receiving support is THIS – The Horticulture Industry Scheme CIC, which has been awarded £9,990 towards its “Keeping on Top of It” project.
Some of the THIS team during a garden makeover
The not-for-profit social enterprise was founded in Thetford nine years ago by Tim Melvin and Georgina Keatley. Since the pandemic, the organisation has carried out “social gardens” for local people unable to maintain their outdoor spaces themselves due to mobility issues, physical or mental health difficulties, or caring responsibilities.
The new funding will allow THIS to carry out around 120 additional garden tidy projects across the town.
“The social gardens initiative has been extremely popular from the start and this is a wonderful opportunity for us to carry out many more,” said co-founder, Tim.
As well as supporting residents, THIS also provides employment opportunities for people who have experienced barriers to work, including homelessness and mental health challenges. Staff are offered paid employment and horticultural training, with many achieving NVQs in horticulture.
The Community Support Fund …forThetford has also awarded grants to eight other community organisations: 3rd Thetford Scout Group, Breckland Cancer Support Group, Dove’s Nest Ministries, Involve Razem CIC, MensCraft, Open Road Norfolk Trust, Thetford Town Boxing Club and Thetford Town Cricket Club.
“When we asked residents what mattered to them, they were clear,” said Jo Pearson, Chair of the Thetford Pride in Place Board. “They wanted investment in the fabric of everyday life. These nine organisations are living proof that we are delivering on that promise.”
