By Rob Gooding, Community Engagement Worker
Peregrin Way TARA, with a history spanning approximately 15 years, has encountered significant changes in response to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the lockdown, the group played a pivotal role in operating the local food bank. This critical phase saw the original committee stepping down, and a new committee to be formed to ensure the group’s continuity.
Despite the substantial changes they have actively expanded their involvement in the community, offering a variety of activities from their neighbourhood centre. These initiatives are all purposefully designed to combat social isolation and alleviate the loneliness within their community.
Relying primarily on self-generated funds, the group delivers an impressive five sessions per week. In their commitment, the group decided to explored funding options. With the guidance and assistance of Rotherfed staff, the group successfully applied to Awards for All for a grant.
This grant will play a vital role in supporting some of the group’s most cherished sessions, including the Luncheon club, coffee mornings, Gardening club, arts, and craft sessions, and the “nit and natter” group. Furthermore, the funds obtained will enable the group to hold four subsidized day trips for members throughout the next year and the organization of a community-wide Christmas party. It is with great pleasure that we report the group’s success in securing this grant, which will empower them to continue their expansion over the coming year.