Eleven local community groups and initiatives across North Somerset have received more than £31,700 in funding thanks to the latest round of Alliance Homes’ Communities Together Grants.
Taking place each year, the Communities Together Grants offer funding from £50 to £7,500 to support projects that benefit Alliance Homes' customers and local communities.
Successful applications are chosen by Alliance Homes' customers, through a dedicated customer panel and online community platform, HIVE, making sure that the projects selected reflect their needs and priorities.
Cath Pullin, Service Director for Customer Services at Alliance Homes, said: “Each year, we’re seeing more community groups, projects, and initiatives applying for our Communities Together Grants, and this year was no different – the 40% rise in applications shows just how vital this funding is. We’re pleased to be able to support such a diverse and inspiring range of projects and contribute to the positive impact they’ll have on our communities.”
Lucinda Weston, an Alliance Homes customer and member of the panel who helped decide how the grants were awarded, added: "Being part of the customer panel has been a great opportunity to influence how Alliance Homes invests in its communities. It’s empowering to help shape where investment goes and make sure it supports the things that matter most to our communities."
Projects funded through Alliance Homes’ 2025 Communities Together Grants include:
Project |
Award value |
Summary |
|
Beyond Boundaries |
£2,397.50 |
Providing a welcoming space for sharing knowledge on balanced living, with funding to be used for venue/storage hire, children's Christmas party, mental health and first aid training, workshop materials, and promotions. |
|
Internet Learning and Help Group |
£3,000.00 |
Providing free internet tuition, support and advice to people living in North Somerset. Funding will be used for volunteer expenses. |
|
Lawnside Residents’ Association |
£950.00 |
Improving the Lawnside community and relationship with its neighbours. Funding for gardening tools, printer and trips to improve social connections and wellbeing. |
|
Nailsea and District Community Transport |
£6,760 |
Providing accessible and supported transport services to help older people, individuals with disabilities, and those at risk of social isolation; bespoke door-to-door transport for older, frail, disabled, and cognitively or sensory-impaired people who face barriers using public transport. Funding for the driver costs for two weekly shopping runs in Nailsea during 2025/2026. |
|
Nailsea Disability Initiative |
£1,000.00 |
Supporting disabled people and seniors in Nailsea by helping them navigate the welfare system. Funding for training volunteer, support materials and a new document scanner. |
|
Nailsea District Leg Club |
£600.00 |
Providing treatment, advice, and information for individuals with lower limb concerns, particularly leg ulcers. In addition, a volunteer-run café is available to help combat social isolation within the community. Funding to support the organisation's members, volunteers, and a special 10-year celebratory lunch. |
|
North Somerset LGBT+ Forum |
£4,934.82 |
Providing a safe and inclusive space for LGBT+ individuals, offering support, community and advocacy. Funding to support dedicated drop-in sessions for those aged 50+ and Trans+ individuals, as well as maintaining essential running costs. |
|
Pill & District Children and Young People’s Partnership |
£4,500.00 |
Project aims to ensure a cohesive approach to the welfare and wellbeing of children and young people, supporting their transition to adulthood. Funding will support the "Chip and Chat" session and a summer programme. |
|
Refugees Welcome North Somerset |
£3,580.00 |
Offering friendship and assistance to refugees in North Somerset. Funding will help deliver English as a Second Language training at three pop-up locations, to support community integration. The funds will cover the costs for a teacher, room hire as well as administration support. |
|
Weston Hospice Care |
£3,300.00 |
Delivering expert end-of-life care both in the hospice and within the community. Funding will support the "No Barriers" programme which uses art and creativity to encourage thoughtful and accessible planning for future care. The grant will cover costs for a facilitator, art materials and administrator expenses. |
|
Wimblestone Road Residents Together |
£680.00 |
Community project that aims to bring neighbours together, including those that are housebound, by organising a celebration of V.E. Day. The event will provide an opportunity to reconnect old neighbours and welcome new residents. Funding will cover the cost of the community gathering. |