Newark and Sherwood District Council has been running its Community Chest scheme for three years. Community groups, District Council tenants and leaseholders can each apply for up to £1,000 through the scheme to help support and fund local projects.

The Community Chest is designed to help communities through projects which aim to:

• Increase the wellbeing and mental health of tenants and leaseholders
• Support tenants into education, learning and volunteering opportunities
• Resolve any community identified issues
• Reduce anti-social behaviour
• Support safety and security measures
• Tackle issues relating to waste management, litter and dog fouling
• Help vulnerable groups or individuals.

Coun Lee Brazier, portfolio holder for Housing at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “I recognise the immense benefit that this scheme has had over the last year and I have personally seen how it has helped to bring communities together whether it’s by helping a cinema club, like at De Lacy Court, or replacing worn out equipment in community halls. It’s often the small things that make a real difference to our tenants.

“Simple things like providing a lockable cupboard for a community group in Rainworth means that they know their equipment and supplies can be left securely. We have also supported projects which improve the general environment for all residents for example, on Grange Road in Newark, we helped to fund the creation of a bin store.”

During the past year, other projects funded included improving the dining rooms at Vale View, supporting tenants in Collingham with raised bed to grow their own vegetables and new noticeboards at four of our community centres.

Awards can be made up to £1,000.  For more information and to apply, contact the Tenant Engagement Team via email on getinvolved@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk or by calling 01636 650000.

The Community Chest is open for new applications from tenants, leaseholders and community groups with the first round closing on Friday 20 October. Two rounds take place in a year. The panel will be sitting in November to discuss the applications with a second round of applications due to open in January 2024.