Funding helps growing Lichfield community come together

Families living on a growing Lichfield estate will be able to enjoy a year round programme of free community events thanks to funding from our Community Chest. 

St Johns Grange Community Group has received the funding to provide family celebrations, school holiday activities and opportunities for residents to learn new skills.  

The programme will include three family activity days featuring a Teddy Bear's Picnic and games in the park, as well as Hallowe'en, Christmas and Easter events.  

Funding will also support sessions where local residents can share skills including crochet, knitting, card making and other crafts.  

The activities are designed to bring residents together as the new estate continues to grow, helping homeowners and our customers meet as neighbours and develop a shared sense of belonging.  

All the events will be free, providing local families – particularly those on lower incomes – with accessible activities to enjoy with their children close to home.  

Judy Green, Treasurer of St Johns Grange Community Group said: "St Johns Grange is still developing with the second phase of the estate under construction, so we fell it is really important to bring people together and build a strong community from the beginning.  

"Our events give families an easy and welcoming way to meet their neighbours, make friends and feel that they belong.  They are always popular and we receive very positive feedback from the people who attend.  

"For families on lower income, having something free and local to enjoy with their children can make a real difference.  We're very grateful to Platform Housing Group for helping us provide activities throughout the year."  

Approximately 200 people are expected to benefit from the project, with around 30 per cent anticipated to be our customers and their families.  

The group is supported by 12 volunteers from across the estate who help its committee to organise and deliver events.  Local people will also be invited to volunteer their time and share skills with other residents.  

The grant will pay for activities, refreshments, craft materials and seasonal events, together with covering the cost for public liability insurance.  The community group will supplement the funding with cash from its own reserves.  

Tracey Silk, our Community Engagement Officer said: "St Johns Grange Community Group is doing a wonderful job of helping residents form connections while their new neighbourhood is still taking shape.  

"These activities will give children and adults opportunities to spend time together, try something new and build friendships with people they might not otherwise meet.  

"We're particularly pleased that the events will be free and open to everyone, helping to ensure that cost isn't a barrier to families taking part.  This is a great example of local residents working together to create an inclusive, welcoming and connected community."  

The group currently uses the park at the centre of the estate for many of its activities.  It is also exploring future opportunities with the new local school and the community centre once those facilities become available.  

The programme will begin as soon as funding arrangements are completed, with photographs and updates from the events shared through the group's social media channels.  

Our Community Chest supports local organisations and projects which help improve the lives of customers and communities across the Midlands.   

Photo caption : St Johns Grange Community Group has received the funding from our Community Chest Fund to provide family celebrations, school holiday activities and opportunities for residents to learn new skills.