Programmes and priorities: Recreation

‘The provision of facilities for recreation and other leisure-time occupations in the interests of social welfare.’

Our grant giving under this programme has a strong emphasis on projects that aim to address the needs of young and/or disadvantaged people. How a project proposal will act ‘in the interests of social welfare’ will be carefully considered.

The focus of this programme is on people, and how a project will significantly improve their access to valuable recreational opportunities and experiences. Successful project requests generally include aspects that complement the objectives of our education and 'relief' programmes.

Examples of projects that have been granted awards in recent years:

Bedford Players Trust
Bedfordshire Youth Theatre
£14,000
Bedford Players Trust requested a grant to work with the BYT to develop their skills and to share their work with the Borough’s young people through workshops and performances at local schools. They received a two year award towards running costs which will be particularly directed towards the Youth Theatre’s Summer Show, and to work which encourages wider participation in performing.

Shaheedi Sports Council
Bhangr and Giddha in Sports Festival
£1,500
The Shaheedi Sports Council works to promote sporting and cultural activities in Bedford’s minority ethnic communities, with the aim of developing healthy lifestyles. The award will enable the group to put on a display of athletic dance, with transport provided for older and less mobile community members.

Hanover Housing Association
Luncheon Club
£450
Residents at this sheltered housing scheme for older people wanted to run a luncheon club for themselves and friends and family. The grant from the Bedford Charity will enable two of the residents to complete basic food hygiene training so that they can provide meals safely for their co-residents. Some of the money will be used to purchase kitchen equipment to help the volunteers with their food preparation.

Sharnbrook Village Hall
Refurbishment of Hall
£2,490
This grant provided financial assistance to bring the community facility up to expected standards in health and safety. It has helped provide an improved village hall in which activities such as youth clubs, cadets and exercise groups take place.