PEOPLE in West Ealing will benefit from £71,400 in funding to community groups from the Clarion Housing Group.

Its West Ealing Community Grants Programme was established in 2021 as part of its commitment to the regeneration of Sherwood Close.

The development is now in its third and final phase and will ultimately provide 362 new homes, with two thirds being affordable.

Since its launch, it has invested in community projects and tried to enhance the lives of residents. 

Organisations can apply for grants, with a particular focus on helping young people, families and older people. In this latest round, funds have been awarded to eight groups.

They include The Felix Project, to distribute surplus food to those in need, as well as Miindful Ballers CIC and the Young Ealing Foundation, who offer leadership, social action and mentoring for young residents and their families.

Another recipient is Mahaba Café in the High Street, which provides training and work experience to young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The grant will contribute towards the cost of employing a café manager.

Currently hosted in the Ealing Project, the café is open five days a week and staffed by young people with SEND. 

Funding has also been awarded to The Store Cupboard – a not-for-profit affordable food project with a shop located on The Broadway.

Members pay a £3.50 weekly membership fee, which enables them to choose food including fresh fruit, vegetables, chilled and frozen goods.

Ealing Mencap and the West London Equality Centre have both received cash for projects, while Nucleus Community Action will have its community hub at The Lido Centre in the heart of West Ealing supported.

The Lido Centre helps residents source employment and training opportunities.

Cllr Polly Knewstub, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for Thriving Communities, said: “The recipients are doing such important work in these challenging times and, thanks to this additional funding, they’ll be able to do so much more.”  

grants@clarionhg.com.