HALTON Housing Trust is going beyond the bricks and mortar by making £28,000 available this year alone for worthwhile community projects to bid for.

The Trust has committed £100,000 to be made available over the next four years from a Community Sponsorship Fund which has been introduced by the Trust for the first time this year.

In addition to this fund, which has no ceiling on amounts that can be bid for, groups or individuals can also benefit from the Trust’s Community Fund.  This totals £3,000 and has a maximum bid of £350 for community groups and £250 for individual sponsorship or donations.

The Community Sponsorship Fund has been made possible after a generous donation of £100,000 from the Trust’s funders - Lloyds TSB.

The Trust is keen to play an active part in the communities it serves by giving a helping hand and creating opportunities for individuals, groups and organisations that contribute to the fabric of local life.

Last year beneficiaries of the Community Fund included Widnes Cricket Club, who received a £200 donation to help them stage an action-packed tournament for local players, and St John’s Youth Club on the Grangeway estate in Widnes, who received £350 for the purchase of musical instruments and a karaoke machine. 

Earlier this year the Trust donated £700 to two of the Mayor’s official charities - Halton Autistic Family Support and the Let’s Go Stroke Club – and donated £500 to both Halton Haven and St Rocco’s Hospices as part of last month’s Wire FM Bring a Pound to Work Campaign.

One of the first organisations to benefit from this year’s Community Fund is the under nines Heath Rangers Junior Football Team, who play in the Halton District Junior League. Player representatives were presented with their new football shirts by David Felix, the Chairman of Halton Housing Trust’s Board.

Nick Atkin, Chief Executive of Halton Housing Trust, said: “As the largest housing association working across Runcorn and Widnes, we take the role we have to play in the local community very seriously. Last year we helped to fund a wide range of community events, supported local groups and individuals which go above and beyond our traditional housing role of collecting rents and tackling anti-social behaviour.

“This year we have taken this a step further with the introduction of our new Community Sponsorship. We are keen to hear from local organisations that could benefit from some extra funding. Whether you’re from a local youth club, society, theatre group or sports club we want to hear from you, the only requirement is that you are from Runcorn or Widnes.”

“We’re delighted to be supporting Heath Rangers and the positive work and commitment from players, parents and coaching staff that mixes the fun and challenge of being involved in sport as well as the health benefits this brings to the younger section of the communities in which we work.”

If you would like to find out more information about the different levels of funding available or you would like to be considered for funding, please contact the Customer Involvement Team on 0151 510 5180 or email shirley.traverse@haltonhousing.org