Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) has awarded £50,000 through the first round of its Community Health and Wealth Building Fund, marking a key step in delivering the district’s long-term Community Health and Wealth Building Strategy (CHAWS).
The funding will support several local organisations delivering projects that strengthen community wellbeing and resilience. Following a panel meeting in November 2025, the £50,000 pilot fund has been awarded to the following initiatives:
-
Sports Connections Foundation Charity – Inspire Through Sport Huntingdon
Providing weekly multi-sport sessions, mentoring, and career-focused enrichment activities for young people in Huntingdon, delivered by qualified coaches, youth workers and positive role models
-
Ramsey Memory Support Group – Ramsey and District Tuesday Cafés
Establishing three new weekly activities, including a Tuesday Club Café offering entertainment, craft and games; cognitive and balance exercise sessions; and an intergenerational café linking preschool children with secondary school students
-
Hobby Hub (Yaxley) – The MENtor Shed
An intergenerational programme offering woodworking, repair and creative workshops designed to build confidence, skills and social connection among young people and adults
-
Centre33 – Stronger Futures
Providing targeted support to young adult carers across Huntingdonshire through one-to-one and group sessions, advocacy, training and wider systemic support
-
Creative Crafters (Ramsey) – Creative Crafters
A community craft hub offering shelf-rental opportunities, workshops, craft supplies and volunteering roles to promote mental wellbeing, develop new skills and strengthen local resilience.
The pilot fund, which ran from August to September 2025, supported a range of community-led initiatives designed to improve health and wellbeing, strengthen local connections, and boost economic resilience.
The pilot provided valuable insights that will help shape the next stage of the programme, demonstrating the power of community leadership in driving meaningful local change.
Executive Councillor for Communities, Health and Leisure, Cllr Sally Howell, said: “The success of our pilot fund shows just how much can be achieved when communities are empowered to lead. These projects highlight that meaningful change starts locally - when residents are supported to turn their ideas into action. We’re excited to build on this momentum as we prepare to launch the remaining fund, of up to £700,000, which will further strengthen and inspire our communities.”
Building on the success of this pilot round, HDC will soon launch the full Community Health and Wealth Building Delivery Fund, valued at up to £700,000, to support local projects over the next three years.
This next phase will enable even more community groups, voluntary organisations, and local partners to develop innovative, locally led solutions that help residents live healthier, more connected, and more financially secure lives.
View further details, including launch dates, eligibility criteria, and guidance on how to apply on the Huntingdonshire Community Health and Wealth Building Strategy webpage.