In October, we will be launching our next round of applications for the BCHA Community Fund.  Our last round was in May and successfully attracted nineteen applications of which twelve were successfully awarded.

Laura Jump, Director of Change, Transformation and Growth said ‘We are delighted to have launched the BCHA Community Fund, thanks to donations and funds raised by the general public. This is an opportunity to support initiatives led by residents, where they tell us what will improve their community.'

Applications for The BCHA Community Fund are made by customers or colleagues supporting customers, with a purpose of community building and awards are for £50, £100 or £250. All applications must benefit a community, supporting health and wellbeing and is a great opportunity for customers to demonstrate their creativity.

The criteria the judging panel use include equality, inclusion and diversity, co-production, innovations, creativity and value for money. The judging panel was made up a cross section of colleagues.

 

For the first round in May 2022, this was the feedback from three of the successful applicants:

Welbeck Avenue – Primrose Garden project

The Women at primrose requested an opportunity to engage in gardening activities, to grow their herbs and spices, small fruits trees and other plants. They wanted to transform the courtyard into a restful and restorative space for the women in the project who have recently escaped abuse and violence and who suffer from anxiety, depression and trauma.

By working on the garden project, the women feel a sense of achievement, and boosted their confidence. The courtyard has become a peaceful space where the women now spend a lot of their time relaxing and socialising especially in the warm weather this summer. Furthermore, in the evening the residents can sit in the garden, we have bought solar lights and solar fairy lights.

Thanks to the BCHA Community Fund, the garden at Primrose has transformed into a relaxing communal space for our customers on their journey to recovery from abuse.
Thanks to the BCHA Community Fund, the garden at Primrose has transformed into a relaxing communal space for our customers on their journey to recovery from abuse.

Cornelia Lodge

"Here at Cornelia Lodge we have a lovely outdoor area that we can use especially in the spring and summer months. However, we had nowhere to sit and enjoy our surroundings, particularly with friends and family visiting - or just to take time out for some peace and quiet. Reading a recent issue of 'Tenant Talk' however, it was explained that the Community Fund can enable tenants to fund projects that benefit them and their neighbours. So I spoke to some of my fellow tenants and suggested some garden furniture for the patio area. It was welcomed.

Given the budget, I had to do some looking around and online research. Fortunately I was able to source some suitable furniture that was affordable. After further discussion with others, I put up a notice for everyone to comment on before it was cleared for submission. Well, we now have our furniture and it is a great asset for us. I have to say the staff at BCHA have been very supportive and encouraging at every moment. This project should draw us here at Cornelia closer together as a housing community and having a calm and pleasant environment that we can now relax in is wonderful. Thank you from us all"- Customer - Cornelia Lodge

 

Community Cafe

The BCHA Community Fund awarded funding to enable Mario to set up the Community Cafe Swanage in Swanage.

The community gathers at The Loft in Swanage for the opening of a cafe launched by Mario Sobczak, a BCHA resident, who has lived in Swanage for the past 4 years. 
The community gathers at The Loft in Swanage for the opening of a cafe launched by Mario Sobczak, a BCHA resident, who has lived in Swanage for the past 4 years. 

The Community Fund also provided the judges an opportunity in getting involved with community projects:

"The Judging was an interesting experience of learning about the activities of other areas of BCHA that you are not always involved with and it is good that the charity funds are going to good causes around the schemes to improve the facilities for the residents'- Mark

"I appreciated the opportunity, and it was great to see the creativity and enthusiasm from some of our colleagues and customers, in putting forward proposals that will add value to some of BCHA’s schemes, or otherwise bring benefits to BCHA’s customers'- Michael

We are really excited to launch round two of the BCHA Community Fund #BCHACommunityFund in October.

Any queries, please contact Michelle on michellelewis@bcha.org.uk

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