Groups helping the old and young have already benefited from scheme

COMMUNITY projects across Latchford have been given help thanks to a grant scheme.

Latchford East has been chosen as a Big Local Area – one of 150 across the country – which offers those areas at least £1 million to make a positive difference to the community.

A number of groups targeting the youngest and oldest have already benefitted.

One of the first was the Elder’s Group, which operates from St Margaret’s Community Hub, on Lindley Avenue, and meets every Monday.

The group aims to help people who are lonely by keeping minds active through arts and crafts and other activities.

Margaret Isherwood, volunteer at the group said: “We’re using our small grant to make a big difference to people. I felt there was a need in the area for comfort for lonely older people – something that would make them feel special, particularly on their birthday or other occasions when they might have no one to celebrate with.”

The scheme has also helped the Westy Community Centre based Silver Service Club, which meets every Friday and aims to support anyone aged over 50.

The club provides a chance for people who live on their own to meet others and enjoy some company. They applied for a small grant to buy a large toaster and microwave.

Funding has also helped a new messy play group set up at St Margaret’s on Wednesdays.

For more on the Latch Ford Big Local Partnership, with the unusual spelling of Latchford chosen by the community to differenciate it from Latchford West, contact Philip Blocksidge, Big Local programme support officer by e-mailing Philip.Blocksidge@gght.org.uk or phone 07702 520185.

 The Silver Service Club meets every Friday between 10.30am and 1.30pm and costs £3 a visit. Call the centre on 572072.

 The Elders Group meets between 2pm and 4pm and the messy kids playgroup meets from 11am to 1pm and costs £1. Call 658171 for details.