In line with our vision to create thriving communities and places people are proud to call home we launched our Community Investment Fund this summer.
Resident groups, local organisations and social enterprises were invited to bid for funding that could be used to develop projects that would benefit their communities.
Of the 26 applications we received, funds were awarded to the following initiatives:
Greening
Jerningham Court green space
Aims to transform a derelict area into a flourishing garden and vegetable patch alongside a play area for children who don’t have a safe space to play.
Bayes Close community orchard
This is a project run by Green Up Close, a community group of residents from Bayes Close and Copeman Close who want to enhance their environment, discourage fly-tipping and create a sense of ownership, teamwork and place-making.
Youth
Get creative online
Available to Lewisham Homes residents age 13-24 this programme offers workshops in DJing, music production and digital marketing.
Health and wellbeing
Complementary health and pain clinic: Therapy for healing
This programme was created to improve the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of Lewisham Homes residents. Support is available for the ageing, carers and those cared for; those directly or indirectly affected by Covid-19; Lewisham Homes volunteers who’ve worked throughout the pandemic and anyone else in need.
Training and employment
Catbytes digital support hub
Aims to tackle digital exclusion experienced by our residents during lockdown. The two main target groups are: people who are isolated and could benefit from interacting with the outside world through the use of internet technology, and families with children with no digital devices for them to do homework.
The refugee café
Held in partnership with the Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA) this eight-week course provides refugees in Lewisham with the skills, experience and accreditation to compete in the local job market.
Community Waves supported projects
Community Waves was a charity based in Catford. Though it has now ceased operation the organisation wants to ensure its remaining assets are used to support projects that align with its original aims and objectives. Therefore the charity is supporting the below initiatives:
Patched together with Make Mee Studio
Provides participants with instructional and equipment packs that they can use to develop their creative textile skills from the comfort of their homes.
RICE (readily improving community engagement)
This is a community-focused project run by Hawkeye Empire Ltd. which was created to curb inactivity and idleness resulting from Covid-19 due to social distancing, furloughs and redundancies. RICE offers short online courses in some of the most highly sought-after subject areas which can improving residents’ engagement with their communities and subsequent employment prospects.
Technical support time with Soulchip communications
Provides phone and online support for older people want to access the internet using their personal devices to search for information related to Covid-19 support groups, GP access, job searching and CV assistance.
We’re currently accepting applications for our second round of funding. Find out all you need to know about applying here. Alternatively, if you have any questions about the Community Investment Fund you can send them to getinvolved@lewishhamhomes.org.uk
