End-of-year report figures for the fund show another productive year in the initiative’s aim to support the local community.
Southwark Council fund this project alongside equal donations from Lendlease and Get Living as sponsors of the initiative.
In August 2023, funding was awarded to eight local groups, which have supported a total of 746 people across the Elephant and Castle community during 2024.
Projects received £75,000 in grants going towards a range of work, from arts initiatives to STEM skills training.
The fund aims to help local people utilise their strengths, celebrate the rich cultural history of the area and support people through change. The fund is also vital to helping people gain work experience and ultimately employment.
Themes outlined in the funds current objectives are further education and skills, young people, wellbeing, the environment, and arts and culture.
Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development said: “It’s great to see the Elephant and Castle Community Fund continuing to make such a tangible impact, supporting the local community through programmes which are enriching the lives of residents.
“As Elephant and Castle continues to change and renew, this Fund is an important way of connecting the community with new opportunities, helping people learn new skills, grow in confidence and build friendships. Whether it is through gardening, creative arts, English lessons or coding classes, the organisations supported through this Fund are doing incredible work and will have a lasting impact on the lives that they touch.”
Silverfit is one of the groups to have enjoyed success thanks to support from the fund in the past. Their mission is to support healthy and happy aging through exercise classes for older communities across London.
Eddie Brocklesby, CEO and founder of Silverfit, said: “Silverfit is so grateful to the Elephant and Castle Community Fund for their generous support of Silverfit Nordic Walking sessions in Burgess Park, Yoga at the Elephant and Castle Community and Engagement Hub and exciting new sessions in the pipeline for 2025.
“This support is vital in promoting the well-being and health of our ageing population, and we couldn't be more thankful.”
Groups awarded in the latest round of grants include the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association which received £9,400 over one year to provide 70 people with English language (ESOL) classes and careers advice for newly arrived refugee women.
The Arts 4 Dementia group meanwhile received funding for workshops aimed at those with early-stage dementia and their carers, including activities such as journalling, ceramics and textiles to reduce isolation.
Other groups receiving funding focused on work around topics including climate change education for children, STEM skills education and local theatre.