Local voluntary and community groups in Tonbridge and Malling have benefitted from a financial boost from the council.
The funding initiative, marking 50 years since the creation of the borough of Tonbridge and Malling, was launched earlier this year to help charities, community groups and parish organisations.
Now the 54 local groups, from foodbanks to health and environmental organisations, have been offered or received a share of the £50,000 fund to support projects that make a positive difference to people across the borough.
Babons Cancer Support in Tonbridge, received £1,200 for a new children’s art and play therapy service. The charity was established in 2022 after the loss of much-loved mother and grandmother, Jean ‘Babon’ Spickernell, to cancer. The charity provides comprehensive care and support to local people affected by the disease.
Co-founder of the charity, Tracy Spickernell, said: "This funding is already making a big difference to our small charity, and we are incredibly grateful for the support from TMBC. The grant has enabled us to start providing vital creative therapy for children in families affected by cancer, helping them process what is happening around them and empowering them with life skills to face ongoing challenges with strength and resilience.
The 50th anniversary scheme, was designed to reflect the council’s long-standing commitment to supporting connected and resilient communities. Priority was given to initiatives that addressed key local needs such as the cost of living, health and wellbeing, community safety, skills development, and environmental sustainability.
A wide range of organisations were successful including:
- Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI): Life Works course for veterans - £1,054
- The Oaks Specialist College: Equipment for adult learners - £1,500
- Community Cycle Works: Renovate Snodland Pump Track - £1,500
- Cast A Thought: Fish and Chat sessions for mental health - £1,500
Scotts Project Trust, in Hildenborough has been supporting adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities for 35-years. The charity received £1,238 for movement and relaxation classes.
Clare Tallent, Scotts Day Services Manager, said: “To maintain the high standards of care we believe in, and to reach more individuals with learning disabilities, we rely on donations and local community fundraising efforts, so this money is vital for us. It has meant that we’ve been able to invest in equipment for new movement and relaxation sessions that are tailored to the needs of our service users. They’re already up and running, we’re seeing the benefits and everyone’s really enjoying it. Regular activity for adults with a learning disability is essential in managing complex physical conditions, as well as helping to reduce stress and anxiety, and being a lot of fun.”
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council cabinet member for community services, Cllr Des Keers, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm, creativity and dedication shown by the many organisations that applied to this scheme. It has been incredibly inspiring to see just how much fantastic work is being done at grassroots level across Tonbridge and Malling.
“As we mark the borough’s 50th year, we’re proud to be able to support those working hard to improve lives in their local communities.”
The council would like to thank all those who applied. Other community grants are expected to be launched soon, using funding provided by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Full list of Grant recipients:
- The Oaks Specialist College: Equipment for adult SEND learners - £1,500
- Communigrow: Therapeutic garden group for over 50s - £1,463
- Babons Cancer Support: Art and play therapy for children affected by cancer - £1,200
- Community Cycle Works: Renovate Snodland Pump Track - £1,500
- Cast A Thought: Fish and Chat sessions for mental health - £1,500
- Scotts Project Trust: Movement and relaxation classes for learning disabilities - £1,238
- Heart of Kent Hospice: Compassionate Neighbours project - £1,500
- Age UK: Outreach project for older people's needs - £600
- West Kent Mind: Safe space chat room service - £1,500
- Kith N Kin: Therapeutic parenting course - £1,500
- Ightham Mote, National Trust: Gardening equipment for partnership project - £1,444
- Music at Malling: Workshops and concerts for dementia and mental health - £1,500
- East Malling Centre: Secure bike storage - £1,500
- Angel Lane: Recover & Thrive hub for domestic abuse survivors - £1,500
- Snodland Hub: Support services for vulnerable community members - £750
- Tonbridge Repair Café: Protective clothing for volunteers - £250
- Tonbridge Cricket Club: Clubhouse repairs - £750
- Trottiscliffe Community Farm: Family History Garden - £750
- Larkfield Community Food Bank: Food bank provisions - £750
- Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI): Life Works course for veterans - £1,054
- Kings Hill Cricket Club: Facility improvements - £750
- Tonbridge Baptist Church (Sustain Food Bank): Food bank larder - £750
- The Princess Project: Mum's Hub and Totscycle services - £750
- East Peckham Methodist Church: Summer spaces for families - £750
- Six in One Club: Mobility scooter shelter - £750
- Tonbridge Angels Foundation: Football programme for young adults with disabilities - £750
- East Malling Institute Trust: Insulation for energy cost reduction - £750
- Malling District Scout Council: Secure storage for equipment - £750
- Spadework: Toilet block refurbishment - £750
- Friends of the Vox: 'Come and Sing Christmas Carols' event - £750
- Raynet: Radio repeaters for emergency network - £750
- Haysden Country Park Volunteers: Planted and fenced areas - £750
- PS Breastfeeding: Carrier safety information sessions - £750
- Citizens Advice North and West Kent: New volunteer advisor recruitment and training - £750
- Imago: Community skills project - £750
- Compaid: Digital skills training - £750
- Involve Kent: Pathways to Employment Programme - £750
- Kings Hill Active Retirement Association: Holiday activity for older members - £750
- Wouldham Allotment Association: Community well-being garden - £750
- Snodland Community Cricket Club: Equipment and facilities - £750
- Gardening for Health: Therapy garden training and events - £750
- Townsend Hook Bowls Club: Step-free access and junior equipment - £750
- 1st West Malling Scouting Group: Pond and habitat project - £750
- St Mary's Platt Parochial Church Council: Dementia-friendly exercise course - £750
- Wateringbury Guide and Scout Group: Weatherproof storage - £750
- St Peter and St Paul Church: Lunch club for isolated and vulnerable people - £750
- Arthur's Quest: Support for rare genetic condition charity - £750
- Tonbridge Town Sailing Club: Replacement training dinghies - £750
- Wisdom Hospice: Bereavement support for children - £750
- The Girl Guides (Wateringbury): Camp experience for lower-income families - £750
- Trottiscliffe Parochial Church Council: Step-free access to church - £750
- Wouldham Girl Guiding: Guiding activities and access support - £750