At the latest meeting of the Surrey Heath Borough Council Executive on 20 September further support for local communities was agreed.
Against the backdrop of the cost of living crisis, the Executive resolved to change the terms of the Surrey Heath Emergency Food Poverty grant scheme to allow not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding for energy costs to help support the setting up of ‘warm banks’. Warm banks will be places in the Borough that people can go to keep warm during the day, which will help manage the increasing costs of energy bills, and can help alleviate isolation and loneliness. Up to £5,000 can be applied for via this grant scheme.
It was agreed that the social inclusion charity Men’s Sheds will lease the pavilion at London Road Recreation Ground in Camberley, under a community rent subsidy. The charity will shortly be starting a local Men’s Sheds group to benefit the local community. The charity addresses social isolation by creating a place to go, learn activities and socialise with others. More info on Men’s Sheds.(link is external)
More than £11,000 in Community Fund Grants was awarded to local groups. Chobham Recreational Ground Charitable Trust was awarded £6,050 to undertake safety repairs to five play areas at the recreation ground. £5,500 was awarded to Frimley Cricket Club towards the purchase of a much-needed new roller for the cricket green.
Surrey Heath Portfolio Holder for Housing, Safeguarding and Support Cllr Sarah Jane Croke said: “At a very difficult time for many people, we are working hard as a Council to offer support to our community in as many ways as we can – whether through grants, funding, Men’s Sheds or warm banks. These schemes will help support the physical and mental wellbeing of our residents.”
The Council also agreed at the meeting to take part in the government’s new Afghan Relocation and Assistance Scheme – Wraparound Support. This involves supporting relocated families from Afghanistan who will be placed in six units of temporary accommodation in Camberley Town Centre.
This scheme is funded by central government, and SHBC’s role will be to support guests to focus on accessing employment, settling into day-to-day life, and help with securing longer term settled accommodation in the private rented sector.
Cllr Croke said: “We are pleased to be able to take part in this new Afghan Relocation and Assistance Scheme. We have already successfully supported five families who arrived in the Borough through the original scheme, all of whom have secured jobs and moved into private rented accommodation.
“Surrey Heath has a significant military heritage, and we are proud to be able to offer support to those who have played an important part in assisting our troops abroad.
“The costs of this support are met by central Government as part of a nationwide scheme, and I would like to reassure all residents that this work does not affect services and support for anyone else in our community.”
You can read more about the Executive meeting of 20 September 2022
