Grants of up to £5,000 available to help shape Rowner's future
A new Community Grant Scheme has been launched by the Pride in Place Rowner Neighbourhood Board, as residents continue to shape the project.
Community engagement activity across Rowner is gathering pace as the Rowner Neighbourhood Board launches a new Community Engagement Grant Scheme designed to give even more residents a voice in shaping their neighbourhood.
A total of £30,000 is available, with grants of up to £5,000 being awarded to projects and activities that:
Raise awareness of the Pride in Place Programme.
Bring residents together and strengthen community pride.
Support engagement with local people and gather feedback on what matters most to them.
Reach under-represented groups and encourage wider participation.
Enhance existing community events and activities.
Eligible organisations include charities, community groups, social enterprises, schools and healthcare providers operating on a not-for-profit basis.
The programme is funded through the Government's Pride in Place Programme, which will bring up to £19.6 million of investment into Rowner over the next decade, the scheme is making significant progress in ensuring local people are at the heart of developing a long-term regeneration plan for the area.
Since the launch of the programme, Co-Chairs Kirsty Robertson and Chris Willis, along with neighbourhood board members have been leading an extensive programme of engagement activity across the community. This has included the distribution of newsletters to every household in Rowner, community conversations at local venues and innovative engagement events, including "Sofa on Wheels" sessions at Tesco Rowner, where residents have been encouraged to share their views in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
The Neighbourhood Board has also engaged with schools, local businesses, youth organisations, community groups, councillors, faith organisations, the Best Start Family Hub Team and local stakeholders to ensure a diverse range of voices are represented.
A packed programme of engagement activities is continuing throughout the summer, including family events, attendance at local festivals and carnivals, partnerships with community organisations and outreach activities at venues across Rowner.
To build on this momentum, the Neighbourhood Board is now inviting community and voluntary sector organisations to apply for funding through the new Pride in Place Rowner Community Engagement Grant Scheme.
Kirsty Robertson, Co-Chair of the Rowner Neighbourhood Board, said: "The response from residents so far has been fantastic. We have met hundreds of people through our engagement activities and it is clear that people care deeply about Rowner and want to play a role in shaping its future. These community grants are another way of ensuring local organisations can help us reach even more residents and create opportunities for people to have their voices heard."
Chris Willis, Co-Chair of the Rowner Neighbourhood Board, added: We know that trusted community organisations are often best placed to engage with residents and bring people together. Through this grant scheme, we want to support local groups to deliver creative, inclusive and meaningful activities that strengthen community connections and help us understand local priorities. We encourage organisations across Rowner to get involved and apply."
The Government's Pride in Place Programme aims to build stronger communities, create thriving places and give local people greater influence over decisions affecting their neighbourhood. Find out more on the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pride-in-place-programme-faq/pride-in-place-programme-faq
The programme has the support of Gosport Borough Council and the local MP Dame Caroline Dinenage - but the programme itself will be led by residents, community groups and local partners, ensuring decisions are made by the people who know Rowner best.
Feedback gathered through engagement activities and grant-funded projects will help inform the development of Rowner's ten-year community-led regeneration plan, ensuring investment reflects the priorities and aspirations of local people.
Applications open on July 29 and close on September 7. Interested parties can apply online via https://www.gosport.gov.uk/article/3256/Summer-Pride-in-Place-Grant-Scheme
For further information about the Pride in Place Rowner Community Engagement Grant Scheme and how to apply, visit the Gosport Borough Council website or contact the Rowner Neighbourhood Board: https://www.gosport.gov.uk/article/3256/Summer-Pride-in-Place-Grant-Scheme