Community groups win Parklife grants

A celebration event took place at the Phoenix Centre in Prestwich on Sunday to showcase some of the local projects that will benefit from Parklife funding.

The annual concert raises money for a Community Fund which is distributed to organisations in Prestwich as well as wards in Rochdale and Manchester as these are the three boroughs closest to Heaton Park.

Following the 2021 festival, more than £40k has been awarded to 32 community groups in Prestwich to deliver a range of projects with a particular focus on maximising the use of green space and activities for young people.

Bury Council’s Let’s Do It Neighbourhood funding increased the funding available through the Parklife Community Fund reflecting the high number of local applications. This brings the total value of Parklife related funding awarded to Prestwich based community groups to more than £120k over the past six years.

Councillor Richard Gold, cabinet member for communities, said: “We have been working with Parklife for several years to minimise the disruption to Prestwich residents and will continue to do so. It’s important that local people and businesses benefit from having these events on their doorstep. To have so many local community groups from across Holyrood, Sedgley and St Mary’s be successful in receiving funding is testament to the large number of vital organisations we have supporting our communities.

“Projects included schemes to engage different communities in using green space, across different faiths, ages and backgrounds. I never fail to be amazed at the range of projects which this year includes something for everyone from walking and cycling, art and culture, health and wellbeing, opportunities to develop skills, gardening and recreation and activities for young people.”

The Parklife Community Fund will reopen for applications in the summer following the 2022 festival in June. Details will be circulated on the council website and via Prestwich Community Hub: prestwichcommunityhub@bury.gov.uk

Recipients of funding

• 8^thPrestwich Scout Group (£1,505)
• Albert Avenue Allotment Association (£1,600)
• Bury Greenwood Project (£1,000)
• Bury New Road Heritage Project (£800)
• Creative Living Centre (£900)
• Cteen Manchester (£1,200)
• Earlybird Project (£1,000)
• Friends of Philip’s Park (£2,000)
• Friendship Circle (£800)
• Highfield Road Allotment (£1,900)
• Incredible Edible Prestwich (£1,200)
• Jewel Foundation (£2,000)
• Jewish Action for Mental Health (£2,000)
• Langley Allotments Holders Association (£2,000)
• Maccabi Centre (£800)
• Manchester Area Home Educators (£1,000)
• NCA Northwest CIC (£1,200)
• Our Lady of Grace Parent and Toddler Group (£1,200)
• Prestwich Allstars FC (£1,200)
• Prestwich Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society (£2,000)
• Prestwich Arts Festival (£2,000)
• Prestwich Carnival Committee (£2,000)
• Prestwich Cinema (£300)
• Prestwich Circle (£1,250)
• Prestwich Methodist Youth Association Resources Project (£2,000)
• Prestwich Methodist Youth Association Youth Club (£2,000)
• Prestwich Street Kitchen (£500)
• Prestwich Together (£300)
• Seed Community Action (£1,200)
• South Clough Allotment Holders Association (£1,600)
• St. Mary’s Churchyard Action Group (£2,000)
• Yom Hashoah (£1,200)