Support in the Community
One of our aims as an organisation is to have a wider impact in the communities we serve. These groups offer different types of support, which you or somebody you know may find helpful.
Throughout the year, a total of £40,000 is distributed among local groups and organisations (through four separate rounds of funding) which can make a real impact in their communities. More information about the Community Fund and how to apply is available here.
The following groups have received grants from the Colchester Borough Homes (CBH) May Community Initiative Fund.
Abacus Kindergarten
Who are they?
They manage two local pre-schools in the North Colchester area, offering families excellent childcare with a neighbourhood feel and sense of community. During the holiday periods, families can struggle to find local and inexpensive places to go where the parents can relax and the children can play. They are planning to open the Abacus Cabin which will offer a child friendly space during the school holidays.
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Who can access the organisation
All families and friends will be welcome to join them for a drink and a snack, run by Early Years practitioners who will be on hand to offer support for parents that may be experiencing challenges during the school holidays.
How can people access the service
The ‘Abacus Cabin’ will be open mornings from 10am to 12pm, days/times will be posted on the Abacus website.
What impact has the CBH Community Initiative Fund contribution had on their project
The Community Initiative Fund will be used to support their community café, Abacus Cabin, for local families offering a child-friendly space during the school holidays. The café will offer opportunities for new friendships to grow, reduce isolation for parents and will give children a chance to play in a safe environment.
Abberton and District Cricket Club
Who are they
Abberton and District Cricket Club offer opportunities for an active lifestyle, improved well-being and a chance to meet new people and socialise throughout the year. They offer dedicated cricket coaching to young people aged 5-18 and adult coaching with accredited and DBS checked coaches. They also have a strong social scene that is open to all – whether you play cricket or not.
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Who can access the organisation
Everyone, from those who watch cricket, meet new people and socialise as well as play the sport. The club is at the heart of the local community and runs social events throughout the year, including quiz nights, parties, fetes, cricket tournaments and socials, often with food and a bar.
How can you get involved
Details of all fixtures and social event are on our website and people are welcome at the club whenever they are open. You can call them on 01206 735244 to find out more.
What impact has the CBH Community Initiative Fund contribution had on their project
They plan to invest the funding into their outdoor, non-turf facility which is in urgent need of refurbishment so players can enjoy cricket most of the year. The CBH Community Initiative Fund contribution has taken them one step closer to achieving this goal.
Action For Family Carers
Who are they
AFFC work with schools to support young carers. For example, they help train staff to spot the signs that a student may be experiencing difficulties relating to their caring responsibilities. They work with young carers individually and in groups to address issues such as anxiety and anger management, as well as ensuring appropriate family support is in place.
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Who are they available to
Aside from supporting young carers in schools, they also provide club nights for young carers in five Essex boroughs, including Colchester, and provide a range of services for adult carers and their families. This includes; information and advice, counselling, telephone befriending, support to access work, training and support for carer health and wellbeing through their Feeling Good Caring Well programme. They also provide day care for older people and activity groups for people with dementia.
How can people access the service
Due to the current Covid-19 outbreak, their primary form of contact is via phone and online. This support schemes such as befriending, some counselling and remote Feeling Food Caring Well sessions.
Anyone in Essex can access their services – all services are free of charge, except for day care for older people and activity groups for people with dementia. Services may be accessed via a direct phone call to 0300 770 80 90 or email care@affc.org.uk. The Young Carers page includes a link to a film they’ve made which reflects the situation of many Young Carers in Essex and their families.
What impact has the CBH Community Initiative Fund contribution had on their project
The funding will help them to continue providing events for young carers, however due to Covid-19 these are currently on hold.
Colchester Korban Project
Who are they
They help young, homeless people aged 16-25 realise their potential and thrive, by providing accommodation, support and guidance enabling them to develop the character, skills and confidence to live independently.
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Who can access the organisation
Korban is for young people in Colchester aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
How can people access the service
They can take referrals directly but prefer people to apply through the Colchester Joint Referral Panel for supported accommodation, which usually meets fortnightly at the Youth Enquiry Service.
During the Covid-19 outbreak please call Claire Hughes (YES) on 07760 792968
What impact has the CBH Community Initiative Fund contribution had on their project
It will enable them to better support residents when they move on from Korban to independent living, helping them settle in well to their new accommodation and to provide the best start possible.
Greenstead Community Centre
Who are they
They’re a popular facility who welcomes, includes and benefits the whole community and one which responds flexibly, compassionately and creatively to community need. They believe strongly in the importance of community and always consider how their centre can play a key role in the Greenstead community.
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Who are they available to
They’re available to everyone in the local community.
How can people access the service
They run the Filling Station Café, which is open throughout the week and offer visitors a selection of meals and snacks. Centre staff are also available throughout the day, providing details on the different activities and support on offer.
What impact has the CBH Community Initiative Fund contribution had on their project
With this funding they plan to replace the old, tired chairs located around the centre with brand new ones. This will create a more professional, comfortable environment for when it’s hired.
Lexden Springs
Who are they
The Lexden Springs appeal fund supports Lexden Springs school, which has pupils aged 3-19 with severe physical and neurological disabilities. Their aim as the schools PTFA is to provide support, opportunities and equipment which would not be accessible within current school budgets but would benefit their pupils.
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Who can access the organisation
Staff pupils and parents can suggest ideas that would benefit their pupils and put suggestions in a formal way via their bid forms
How can people access the service
Lexden Springs School caters for pupils designated as Severe, Profound & Multiple and Autistic, according to the Local Authority Learning Disabilities Scale. All pupils must have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) or must be in the process of having an Education Health Care Plan prepared.
Parent/Carer’s considering Lexden Springs School should, in the first instance, contact the local authority. Once local authority approval is given the school’s admissions process can commence.
What impact has the CBH Community Initiative Fund contribution had on their project
The fund will help with the replacement of a wheelchair accessible minibus as their 16-year-old existing one is no longer working. It is a vital piece of equipment to their pupils who use it to access the local community, giving them vital educational and independent living opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge.