A fitness hub for people with cancer, helping families cook nourishing meals and supporting the creation of accessible woodland are just some of the inspiring community projects set to benefit from the latest round of Community Chest funding.
South Cambridgeshire District Council has awarded Community Chest grants to projects that make a real difference to people’s lives - improving wellbeing, tackling isolation, expanding support services, and creating welcoming spaces for residents of all ages.
Cllr Henry Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Communities for the District Council, said: "These grants show the incredible difference local groups make every day in our villages and towns. Whether it's supporting people through illness, helping families stretch their food budgets, or creating new spaces for people to come together, these projects are driven by passion, kindness and community spirit. We're proud to support them and the volunteers who work tirelessly to improve the lives of others."
The latest groups receiving funding are:
Wilbrahams Environment Group – £2,000
The Wilbrahams Environment Group (WEG) is a volunteer‑led organisation dedicated to improving local biodiversity. The funding will go towards the development of “The Butts” a 2.4‑acre former agricultural site being transformed into a publicly accessible woodland and meadow. Working closely with the Woodland Trust, volunteers will create new hedging, install deer‑proof fencing, construct a rainwater collection shelter, and plant a mixed broadleaf woodland. The parish council and Woodland Trust have already supported earlier project phases.
The Gamlingay Food Project – £1,898.96
The Gamlingay Food Project, jointly run by Gamlingay Baptist Church and St Mary’s Church, is using the grant to create a 1,000‑copy community recipe book. The book will help households using the NEED Project Hub and Community Fridge make better use of food parcels and reduce waste through simple, low‑cost recipes - many submitted by local chefs. The cookbook will also be available online, extending its reach to other South Cambridgeshire residents who rely on food hubs.
Cambridge Cancer Help Centre – £2,000
The Cambridge Cancer Help Centre in Great Shelford, which supports more than 400 people affected by cancer each year, will use the grant towards the creation of a dedicated Fitness Hub. The funding contributes to refurbishment works and the purchase of specialist exercise equipment for gentle, accessible fitness classes designed to support physical and emotional wellbeing.
Headway Cambridge & Peterborough – £1,044
Headway Cambridge and Peterborough, a newly established independent charity supporting people with brain injuries, will use the funding to purchase large‑screen tablets and specialist communication software. The equipment will help clients with aphasia - including 13 current South Cambridgeshire residents - to communicate more effectively using Augmentative and Alternative Communication tools. The equipment will be used at the charity’s Cambridge Neurohub, supporting therapy sessions and increasing independence.
Cambridge Canoe Club – £1,989.50
Cambridge Canoe Club, which serves more than 500 members including 170 South Cambridgeshire residents, has secured funding to expand its stand‑up paddleboarding (SUP) equipment. The grant will enable the purchase of additional boards, paddles and safety equipment, widening access to local waterways and supporting both youth programmes and beginner sessions.
Function 5 CIC – £2,000
Function 5 CIC in Papworth Everard is using the grant to launch a weekly community puzzle club, aimed at reducing isolation and providing an inclusive, low‑pressure social activity. Funding will cover tables, chairs and puzzle equipment for the drop‑in sessions, which will be open to all ages.
POP Collective CIC – £1,800
POP Collective, a new performing arts organisation supporting young people aged 8–18, is using the funding for a pilot programme of inclusive summer music and creative sessions in Cambourne. Funding will cover venue hire, materials, outreach and bursary places to ensure young people from all backgrounds can participate. The Arts Theatre Cambridge has endorsed the project, recognising its commitment to accessibility and youth wellbeing.
Background
The Council’s Community Chest programme has been running since 2011 and provides small grants to local groups and organisations delivering projects that further improve quality of life in South Cambridgeshire.
The fund has given more than £632,000 in grants in the last decade to support a wide range of local projects that improve life for people living in the district.
· Find out more: Community Chest Grants - South Cambs District Council
Details of the latest funding can be seen here.
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