Community Grants - What we've funded

We recently awarded the Bingo group at Sunningdale a new machine along with some Bingo books and dabbers.

The group meet weekly in the communal area for a game of Bingo and their current machine had seen better days so, they submitted a Community Grant application for a new machine and supplies.

The group were over the moon to receive their new machine and cant wait to use it at the next game of Bingo.

We recently approved a Muriel Wilkinson Grant following an application from one of our customers for a new communal bench so, they could enjoy and sit out in the garden particularly, in the summer.

The bench has been installed and is ready for when summer arrives so, all the customers within the block can enjoy the communal space.

The customer who applied for the bench stated 'I would like to thank you for the installation of the new bench and pathway in our garden. The quality of the work in these areas is excellent, and we are very pleased with how they have turned out'

Thanks to the funding from Magenta Autism Together were able to extend their grotto this year and as well as their dark sensory grotto, they created a snow scene covered with lights, Christmas trees and snowmen! They had 145 children and adults come specifically to see Santa and receive a present with families travelling from as far as Wales due to no other provision within their area like, what Autism Together had to offer. Families appreciate the 15 minute slot, the relaxed and understanding environment and also that there are no queues.

Autism Together were incredibly thankful for the support Magenta had given to their charity once again and "being able to expand and provide such a wonderful experience for many autistic children and adults was invaluable"

Holy Cross recently held a Autumn Wreathmaking event for parents and carers which we helped to fund via Community Grant.

This was a relaxed atmosphere for parents and carers and a way to get involved and engage with others. The first session was held with no children present and the second session for parents and carers with no childcare.

The activity was enjoyed by all who attended.

Prenton Tenant's and Residents Association have started to gain wonderful momentum at their community walks, drawing in a growing number of people from across the Prenton community. Each week, they meet for a gentle, refreshing walk that has become a treasured ritual for many. Though they began with just a few walkers, their numbers are steadily building as more people discover the peace and camaraderie these walks provide.

Each walk ends with a well-deserved warm cuppa and biscuit, where walkers gather to share stories, laughter, and a real sense of community. Attendees have mentioned that the break in their week has been transformative, helping them to reset and refocus amid the stresses of daily life.

With plans to continue these walks for the coming year, Prenton Tenant's and Residents Association are hopeful that further funding from the Community will allow them to keep offering this opportunity to connect and relax in nature. These walks are proving invaluable in these times of change, and they’re dedicated to helping the community find well-being and connection through them.

We were delighted to award a Muriel Wilkinson Memorial Fund Grant to the Mill Park Knit and Natter group. These lovely ladies meet every Friday to knit and natter - reducing social isolation for those who go along. The group have worked on various projects including ventilator bonnets for premature babies, support cushions for breast cancer patients and pillar box toppers. These projects bring an extra benefit to the community by them paying it forward.

Prenton Tenants and Residents Association worked hard to brighten up the estate with giant plant pots thanks to a Community Grant. Their community spirit and consistent hard work on the project was recognised at Magenta in Bloom with them winning a special Community Award.

The tenants at Hough Bank were keen to keep the communal gardens at their flats as clean and tidy as the inside, but had no where to store tools and equipment. We awarded them a Muriel Wilkinson Grant to purchase a shed that they are now using to yard brushes, shovels. litter grabbers, sponges and buckets. This means that the equipment is accessible to anyone who wants to use it and has already made a huge impact.

Alison, who submitted the application on behalf of the tenants said "I’d thoroughly recommend any ideas or suggestions you think that would work for you and your neighbours are pitched to the team as they have the knowledge, experience and expertise in making things happen."

A small grant helped our supported housing team at Brackendale work with a group of tenants to launch Crafty-Noon. Sue who had help set it up said:

"With all the work going on in Brackendale, we have still managed to get the crafty-noon going.

"The ladies are really enjoying it, one of my ladies has been with us for 14 years, and has never engaged with other tenants, she suffers from chronic anxiety, even the choice of socks would send her anxiety through the roof, but now she is completely different person, no -one realises how funny she is, I don't think she even knows how funny she is, she now has everyone joining in and really looks forward to these afternoons, this is just amazing to see and be part of."

From conversations with volunteers at CORE Project based in our community house we were made aware of many young children being inactive during the school holidays. This assessment was backed up by Wirral JSNA data which evidences that 48% of children in Birkenhead and Tranmere are living in poverty.

This was a pilot project to test out delivering multi sports using a small field adjacent to the community house.

Outcomes

Over the course of the week the project engaged 35 children in a range of sports and fitness activities aimed at keeping them active during the holiday.

As it was a multi sport program it attracted a good mix of girls and boys.

A key element to the success of the project was the partnership with CORE Project which was highly effective in promoting the project to those most in need through word of mouth.

Given the success of this pilot project we will be looking at how this could be expanded to benefit more Magenta Living customers.