Twelve Norfolk projects have been awarded funding to help residents most in need, thanks to a partnership between the Randal Foundation and Norfolk Community Foundation. Here, those involved explain more
Norfolk communities are set to benefit from new funding thanks to a partnership between Norfolk Community Foundation and the Randal Foundation, a philanthropic organisation with a mission to save and significantly improve the lives of one million people across the UK and globally. The new investment will support 12 grassroots projects across the county, each selected using Norfolk Community Foundation’s local knowledge and the Randal Foundation’s commitment to creating opportunity for the most disadvantaged, tackling ill health, and alleviating poverty.
Projects awarded funding include support for SEN families through Autism Explorers workshops in Great Yarmouth and North Norfolk, support for men’s mental health with Reel Connections CIC, and a Safe Haven service from City Response Centre in Norwich that provides crisis support for residents during the nighttime. Local food hubs, community choirs and neighbourhood centres tackling loneliness and poverty also received funding, including Cawston Community Choir; Circus Head CIC; Earlham Community Shop CIC; enABLE Thetford; Ludham PCC; Remembering Together CIC; Sing With Pride; Toy Like Me (to fund four activity events for deaf children and children of deaf adults, as part of The Little Bear Club) and Wells Nelson Club.
Claire Mackintosh MBE (Norfolk Community Foundation CEO) said: “This partnership shows what is possible when global vision meets local insight. The Randal Foundation is committed to transforming lives worldwide, and here in Norfolk, they are investing directly in the small charities and community groups who understand their neighbourhoods best.”
Dr Kotecha, a founder of the Randal Foundation, said: “We are delighted to support this important partnership with Norfolk Community Foundation, an organisation whose deep local knowledge and commitment to strengthening communities aligns closely with our mission. The projects receiving funding reflect the extraordinary work of grassroots organisations who are providing practical, compassionate support to those most in need.
“By investing in these locally led initiatives, we aim to help create lasting, positive change for individuals and communities across Norfolk. We are proud to stand alongside Norfolk Community Foundation in championing vital, local organisations that bring hope, dignity and opportunity to people every day.”
The funding arrives at a time when grassroots charities are facing increased demand, particularly around mental health, food insecurity and support for vulnerable adults.
Norfolk Community Foundation and the Randal Foundation will continue working together to identify and support high-impact local initiatives that help people across the county to thrive.
For more information, visit norfolkfoundation.com/randal.
List of all funded projects:
Autism Explorers – To run a year’s worth of Discovery Day workshops to support SEN children with hands-on learning through play.
Cawston Community Choir – To support the running costs of the weekly choir in Cawston.
Circus Head CIC – To provide 4 wellbeing days at Wrongs Covert Woodland for 80-120 ambulance and control room staff members.
City Response Centre – To support the running costs of the Safe Haven project and replacement of two emergency phones.
Earlham Community Shop CIC – To offer members of the food hub a weekly nutritious, low-cost meal using a slow cooker.
enABLE Thetford – To support the continuation of AccessibiliTEA; a weekly Friday social for less mobile and/or isolated residents of Thetford.
Ludham PCC – To support the running costs of the Ludham Village Car Scheme.
Reel Connections CIC – To support monthly Record Clubs as part of the ‘Music on My Mind’ project, designed to encourage positive discussion around mental health through the shared enjoyment of popular music.
Remembering Together CIC – To continue delivering craft group activities and events for bereaved people, primarily in North Norfolk.
Toy Like Me – To fund four activity events for deaf children and children of deaf adults, as part of The Little Bear Club.
Wells Nelson Club – Towards the minibus transport costs of the social group.
Featured image of Toy Like Me (Credit: Eleanor Craik)
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