GROUPS and voluntary organisations can be benefitted by funds offered by the council.

Southampton City Council are offering financial grants of up to £2,500 as part of the latest addition to their long-running Community Chest small grants scheme to benefit residents in Southampton.

Projects, events and activities offered by groups are all being encouraged by the council to apply for the funding grants.

Monty's Community Hub was given a donation of £2,500 last year towards buying an environmentally-friendly vehicle for their Monty’s Bike Hub project, which promotes cycling in the east of the city and enables locals to learn new skills.

Josh Allen, who leads the project, said: “Having a cargo bike has been great for Monty’s Bike Hub. Firstly, cycling it round Southampton has been a great advert for Monty’s Bike Hub as it is all branded up and people can see our contact details and what we do. Secondly it is a great opportunity to show what can be achieved with a cargo bike, how much can be carried and how many car / van journeys can be reduced. We have dramatically reduced our vehicle usage saving us mileage costs and reduce air pollution.”

Cabinet Member for Green City and Environment, Councillor Stephen Leggett, said: “We get a fantastic response from local community organisations who share with us a keen wish to make our communities stronger, bring people together and celebrate what is good about Southampton and its different communities. We need to ensure that community groups continue to apply for this vital funding that they’re entitled to, and makes such an incredible difference.”

To find out more, contact grants@southampton.gov.uk or 023 8083 4067.