Sheffield fund offers cash for ideas to bring council tenants together

The council says it wants to support stronger, successful communities and the Community Fund gives grants to voluntary, community and self-help groups who want to make a difference in their neighbourhood.

Organisations that work with council tenants in and around council housing estates in Sheffield are eligible to apply for a pot of money from this fund, funded by ward, so that they can successfully deliver exciting, innovative projects which benefit council tenants.

Already this year, some wards have been awarded the full amount that was available for their area, but there are still many wards that have the opportunity to apply.

Successful Community Fund projects already funded include a community tool bank, a greenhouse project, a defibrillator, street art, Chairobics, art classes and a bee scheme.

Members of the Edward Street & St Georges Tenants and Residents Association who are running the Greenhouse project said: “The installation of the greenhouse was a task that brought together four people from the St George’s scheme to assemble the greenhouse.

“The plants that we are currently nurturing have been an extremely enjoyable and relaxing activity. We are hoping to plant these on and create a floral display that will benefit everyone within the St George scheme.

“As a formal club we are hoping to attract more people to join and lay on more activities that are associated with the ethos of gardening.”

Members of Greenhill and Bradway Tenants and Residents Association dressed a wall with street art.

Members of the group said: “The dressing of this wall changed the feel of the area. It is now bright and cheerful for all living nearby and for footfall on to the estate, plus it’s a talking point and interest to the local schoolchildren who come to school nearby.”

The deadline for the next round of funding is December 31 and the details on how to apply are online at www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/council-housing/community-fund