We were particularly keen to receive applications for activities and projects which celebrate BAME history and culture, and support community cohesion during COVID-19. The applications were wide-ranging, and we were impressed with the high quality of the ideas which came from local organisations and residents to meet the brief.

One recipient, Ally from Burgess Sports, said: "We are so grateful. With the grant, we were able to buy all the basic kitchen essentials, which has been a fantastic support for our programme and to the families taking part in this project."

Grants were awarded to:

1. Thurlow Lodge TRA: Distributing food parcels to older Aylesbury residents experiencing social isolation.
2. Andrea Greenwood (Aylesbury resident): ‘Lions, Tigers and Bears. Oh My!’ Making 3D African animal masks with children young people and families over Zoom.
3. Moussa Dembele (Aylesbury resident): ‘Pots and Pans Percussion Orchestra’. DIY, at-home drumming workshops for children, young people and families over Zoom.
4. Burgess Sports: Supporting their ‘Families can cook together’, healthy cooking at home project for families.
5. Faces in Focus: ‘Covid-19 Supportive Online Counselling for Young People’. Providing access to free counselling for two Aylesbury young people.
6. Artic: ‘Know Your Tablet’. Supporting older residents to learn how to use their tablet to connect with others and address isolation during Covid-19.
7. Uncle-Aug: ‘Black History Season programme’. A series of four interactive Zoom sessions for all ages to celebrate Black History Season, including storytelling and drumming.

Keep an eye on the website to find out when we’ll be running the next round of grants.

Image shows a pizza created by a resident during Burgess Sports’ ‘Families Can Cook Together’ project.