Community Grants support local Scouts and a Parkinson’s boxing project
Chandler’s Ford Local Area Committee community grant recipients celebrate the progress of their 2022 projects and the difference it makes to local residents.
We share two case studies, from a scout group improving their outdoor activity space, and a boxing club who are hosting a targeted class for residents with Parkinson’s.
The 2nd Chandler’s Ford (Ramalley) Scout Group were awarded £200 towards improving the outdoor space of their new Ramalley Scout Hall, which opened in September 2021. The building work had severely damaged the garden with over 80% of the space left unsafe and unusable. The project has provided areas for community gatherings, group learning, games, and outside activities; play facilities such as a slide, mud kitchen, sand pit and water play; and raised beds for growing vegetable and plants.
The Scout group’s Secretary, Rachel Murdock, said: “The garden project is now practically complete, thanks to the help of CFH LAC. We’re delighted to share with you some photographs of the results and are extremely grateful for the support.”
RLM Fitness, a family-owned private boxing/fitness gym, were awarded £200 towards the provision of non-contact boxing sessions for people with Parkinson’s. The classes started in September 2022 and for one of the participants, it was the first time they spoke to someone else with the disease. ‘The 13th round – fighting back against Parkinson’s’ project helps participants enhance function and strength, escape from their symptoms, reduce stress and improve personal and social wellbeing.
Niki McPhail, Club Owner said: “The main changes are that the class is now free to anyone with Parkinson’s. After meeting some of the participant's a couple of weeks ago I was touched by not only their story but their determination to fight on.”
Sessions are Thursdays 10.30am to 11.30am and the club is inviting new participants to join or learn more about the project by emailing [email protected].
Community Grants are open across the year from the Council and Local Area Committees. They support local not-for-profit groups for one-off projects, equipment and individual events.
Vice Chair of Chandler’s Ford and Hiltingbury Local Area Committee, Cllr Alan Broadhurst, said: “We are always keen to see which community projects we can support in the local area. These two projects are no exception, with an incredible amount of work involved to provide young people with a social and educational play space and a life changing boxing project. If your project could benefit from out grants, then please don’t hesitate to apply.”
