Southwark Council have launched a new £3.3 million neighbourhood fund scheme to improve local areas for residents and organisations.
The programme introduces 10 new neighbourhood areas across the borough marking a shift away from the previous ward-based model.
The new locally focused approach aims to be more reflective of how communities live and interact with each other.
Councillor Joseph Vambe, Deputy Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Our new neighbourhoods’ approach is all about putting local people in the driving seat. From shaping community plans to deciding how local funding is spent. This isn’t just consultation, it’s collaboration.”
While the transition in the way the council work aims to improve the funding system for Southwark communities, previous grant schemes launched by the council have already demonstrated considerable success and community benefit.
Art in the Park, an organisation that provides cultural experiences to local communities through a variety of creative classes and drop-in sessions, was one of the organisations that received the Culture Together fund.
Senior coordinating artists Cecilia Washburn and Andrea Sinclair praised the grant.
Washburn said: “It is incredibly beneficial for the community, it allows us to run a variety of projects from gardening groups to Saturday sessions to capital projects that help build and restore our garden.”
Sinclair added: “We do get feedback from our participants and it is always positive. People tell us that they don’t often get the opportunity, particularly if a family have come from another country, to get to know other people.”
The pair said they would be applying for the neighbourhood fund themselves and they could not see a downside to the new way of working.
Siobhan Davies Studio also benefitted from funding provided by Southwark Council.
Community and audience producer, Lucia Fortune-Ely, said the money made the studio more accessible for marginalised students.
Community hubs, street improvements, cultural projects, public spaces, and community and youth activities are all open to funding under the new neighbourhood grant.
Applications are open now until 12 October for both community groups and individuals.
Featured Image: Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
Join the discussion