Marvels and Meltdowns has received £1,500 Community Funding to improve health and safety measures at their centre in Gosport.
The charity is a parent/carer support group, who support children and their families who have Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The funding from Abri will help make their new ‘forever home’ safer by installing fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, signage, and fire training for volunteers. Their centre is used to support families and children who have ASC and ADHD, as well as the wider community.
Shandrika Day, Founder of Marvels and Meltdowns, said: “We pride ourselves in being an inclusive organisation, and will always strive to engage with the families that need to utilise our services. The funding from Abri will go towards fire safety equipment for in the centre to include fire alarms, fire extinguishers, signs and fire blanket, along with the relevant training for our volunteer team as safety is paramount at all times.”
The Community Fund is part of Abri’s commitment to empowering lives and creating thriving communities, making them better places to live. Abri is one of the south of England’s largest housing providers and has awarded over £40,000 from its Community Fund to support local organisations and projects since April 2021.
Applications are decided on by its customer panel – Thriving Communities – made up of customers and those living in its communities. The panel said: “Marvels and Meltdowns are doing amazing projects with the families involved and reaching out to other families too. We’re pleased to support Marvels and Meltdowns with making their building even better for those they support.”
Other successful applications for Abri’s Community Fund include:
- Driven Forward, received £3,000 to support the ongoing sustainment of the community fridge in Clewer and Dedworth, and to help families and adults who are financially struggling to provide food for their families and the community.
- St Peters Community Centre, in Yeovil, received £3,000 to support their food pantry and set up toddler activity sessions.
- Coach4u received £1,500 to hold summer events for 100 children aged 5-11 in Mansbridge.
- Buzz Action Foundation received £3,000 to provide youth club activities at the Bowman Centre in Amesbury, giving young, socially isolated people alternative opportunities for socialising and discharging physical energy.
“We believe the best ideas often come from the people who know and lie in our communities. And we’re committed to supporting and investing in our communities. We’re proud of the difference our Community Fund makes, driving change, transforming our communities and providing opportunities. It’s what our Community Strategy and five-year £15m investment is all about – empowering communities, improving health and wellbeing, and providing employment opportunities,” says Cita Jagot, Communities & Involvement Manager at Abri.
Abri’s Community Fund opens for applications three times a year, and organisations can apply for up to £3,000 to support a project in one of Abri’s communities. The next application window opens on 1 December 2020 and closes on 9 February 2022.
You can find out more about Marvels and Meltdowns at www.marvelsandmeltdowns.org.uk/.
