Christchurch | Posted on November 6th, 2026 | return to news

Christchurch Town Council awards more than £11,000 in Community Grants

The funding will support projects for residents of all ages, strengthen community facilities and improve wellbeing.

Scout, Guide and Brownie groups, schools and youth organisations account for many of this year’s successful applications, reflecting the Council’s commitment to creating positive opportunities for children and young people.

The sum, a total of £11,203.83, was awarded to 13 organisations through Christchurch Town Council’s 2026/27 Community Grants programme.

Projects will help build confidence, develop practical skills, encourage outdoor learning and improve facilities used by hundreds of young people across the town. Successful organisations include 3rd Christchurch Brownies, 10th Christchurch (Mudeford) Sea Scouts, 20th Christchurch (Somerford) Scout Group, Friends of Priory School, 1st Mudeford Guides and Twynham Rangers, whose applications demonstrated clear benefits for local young people and their wider communities. At Friends of Priory School, funding will help replace the school’s play trail, incorporating a memorial element to remember two pupils who died earlier this year while creating enhanced outdoor play opportunities for pupils.

Funding will support improvements to Scout and Guide buildings, essential fire safety upgrades and equipment for use by multiple groups, extending the benefits beyond individual organisations. New equipment funded for 20th Christchurch (Somerford) Scout Group will be shared across the wider Scout district, while improvements at Mudeford Guide Hall will enhance a community facility used by young people throughout the year.

Several grants were awarded to organisations supporting vulnerable and isolated residents. Successful applications from Home-Start Wessex, Christchurch Support Kabin and Christchurch Community Partnership highlighted strong evidence of local need and measurable community impact.

Together, these organisations provide frontline support for families, older people and residents facing hardship, helping to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and strengthen community connections. Christchurch Community Partnership’s projects alone are expected to reach more than 1,000 residents.

Community safety, accessibility and inclusion also featured strongly in the successful applications. Funding for Christchurch Harbour Watch will support the continued distribution of harbour safety information, building on work that has already shown positive safety outcomes. Other projects demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can participate in community life, with several applications highlighting support for people with additional needs or efforts to remove barriers to participation.

Christchurch Carnival CIC and Milton Musical Society will receive funding recognising the role of arts, culture and community events in bringing people together. The funding will help support the free annual carnival, which reaches around 5,000 residents each year, while Milton Musical Society received support for its next production, including a performance interpreted in British Sign Language.

Across all applications, successful projects aligned with key Council priorities including youth development, community buildings, wellbeing, social inclusion, community safety, arts and culture, environmental awareness and support for older residents. Many demonstrated lasting value, with grants helping to improve facilities used by hundreds of people, support vulnerable families, create opportunities for young people and bring residents together through shared community activities.

Cllr Maggie Fidler, Mayor of Christchurch, said: “It is inspiring to see the breadth of community activity taking place across Christchurch and the commitment shown by the volunteers and organisations behind it. These grants will support projects that help young people develop confidence and skills, improve facilities used by hundreds of residents, provide vital support for those facing hardship and create opportunities for people to come together.

“I look forward to seeing the impact of these projects in our communities over the coming months and, through my volunteering and community visits, meeting many of the organisations receiving support and hearing first-hand about the difference they are making.”