Council Cash Boost for Local Organisations

Published on: 5 Apr, 2013
Updated on: 9 Apr, 2013

Local arts and culture, charities, young sportspeople and community groups will all benefit from a share of £1.25 million grant funding, now approved by Guildford Borough Council’s Executive.

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

The biggest single grant of £310,220 is to the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. To allow more assured financial planning, they have been told that they will get the same amount next year.

Guildford Action, a charity based in Slyfield, which helps homeless people and deprived families in Guildford, was granted the whole £150,000 it requested.

There are CAB offices in Guildford and Ash

The Citizens Advice Bureau, who have offices in Guildford and Ash were also granted the full amount of direct grants requested which add up to £283,960. It was noted that their case-load continues to grow in the continuing financial downturn and they have been told that they can depend on a similar grant for the following two years.

Disability Challengers, who support children with disabilities and their families, will receive a grant of £50,000 towards their new play centre.

Laura Sercombe

Laura Sercombe, CEO of Disability Challengers said: “We believe we may be the only charity to have a non-exclusion policy which means we never ever exclude a child however complex their impairment or how challenging their behaviour.

“We now work in four counties but our heart is in Guildford and we were determined to stay in Guildford.

“We are thrilled to have the support of Guildford Borough Council with this generous grant of £50,000 towards the redevelopment of our Guildford site. This vital project will secure the future of Challengers in Guildford, as well as enabling us to expand our services and therefore support hundreds more disabled children, young people and their families. It is an ambitious £1.25 million project, so support like this is crucial in order to make our dream a reality!”

Council Leader Stephen Mansbridge (Con Ash South & Tongham) added that he had paid a visit to the charity. He said: “I would highlight the point Laura has made about non exclusion. The fact that Disability Challenges do not discriminate is absolutely reamarkable.”

Cllr Sarah Creedy

Cllr Sarah Creedy, (Con, Holy Trinity) Lead Councillor for Housing and Social Welfare adds: “Local voluntary and charitable organisations play an essential part in helping people in our borough. As a council we are pleased to support a wide range of organisations including those who give advice on managing debt, befriend the lonely and training for people suffering with long term health issues”.

Arts, community and sports provision in the borough will also receive a boost offering music, dance, art and sport for everyone to enjoy. Support for concerts, drama and crafts will allow more people to take part, with schools and individual groups benefiting.

Cllr Jen Powell

One example of the positive impact targeted funding can make is Guildford Boxing Club. While the club owes its success to the coaches and volunteers who lead it, the Council’s support has made a difference by funding new equipment.

Cllr Jen Powell, (Con, Clandon & Horsley) Lead Councillor for Sport, Leisure and Culture adds: “The legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games has been an increased interest in sport. We have seen this in our own borough and continue to support local sports clubs and young sporting stars of the future. Our support for community groups helps to develop new ideas and build on past successes which involve young and old.”