Residents, voluntary groups and charities in Gedling are being invited to bid for a share of £500,000 towards local projects that make a difference to people’s lives.
To mark the first anniversary of Gedling Homes’ newly-merged parent company Jigsaw Homes Group, half a million pounds of investment has been earmarked for local projects in 2019/20 as part of a new Jigsaw Foundation community fund.
Applications are open to Jigsaw neighbourhoods across Nottinghamshire and the North West of England where the housing association owns around 34,000 homes.
Tenants, partners and staff helped to celebrate the launch of the new fund this week (Monday 29 April) at Gedling Homes’ St Andrew’s House extra care scheme in Mapperley where previous community funding has helped to run memory cafes and activities for people with dementia.
Karen Sands, Corporate Lead at Gedling Homes said: “Our memory cafes at St Andrew’s House and the St George’s Centre in Netherfield are well attended by residents with dementia and families from across the borough and are an invaluable support network for our community.
“There are many more local projects that help to change lives in different ways and our new Jigsaw Foundation is a chance for us to give something back.”
Bids to the fund must show that projects involve health and well-being, employability, financial inclusion, the environment and encourage enterprise and training.
Tenants signed up to Jigsaw Rewards surveys will also be able to vote on where bids of up £25,000 should be spent. Entries in excess of this amount will be decided by Jigsaw’s executive team.
A £50,000 hardship fund has also been set up to pay for essentials like beds and cookers for tenants who cannot provide their own. Referrals will be made by Jigsaw.
Neighbourhood plans
Gedling Homes is also working with local partners including the council, police and health authorities to deliver three-year action plans for its neighbourhoods to ensure resources are targeted in areas where they are most needed. The plans for Gedling can be viewed here.
Hilary Roberts, Chief Executive of Jigsaw Homes Group added: “Since we merged, we’ve focused on improving our services to tenants and communities as a new, larger organisation and I’m delighted to celebrate our first year with significant neighbourhood investments and extra support for those most in need.
“Our new Jigsaw Foundation builds on the success of former neighbourhood funding programmes and it’s also a chance for tenants to have their say on how money should be spent in their areas.”
More information about Jigsaw Foundation, including how to apply, at https://foundation.jigsawhomes.org.uk/
Applications to Jigsaw Foundation will also be assessed alongside Jigsaw’s new neighbourhood plans.
