A dozen Stevenage organisations came together to celebrate receiving their grants from the council's Community Chest Fund.

There were 23 representatives from the 12 groups in attendance, marking a record number of applications this year.

The grand total of £19,000 was donated by six local contractors: Mulalley, Wates, Lovell Partnerships, Aaron Services, EEM, and the Reef Group.

Councillor Richard Henry, leader of the council, said: "Thank you to all the contractors donating.

"Without their generosity it would be impossible to support these organisations that have a huge impact in the community of Stevenage.

"Keep up the fantastic work and we look forward to seeing lots of local groups applying for the funding next year."

A cheque presentation took place at Daneshill House and also attended by council leader, Councillor Richard Henry, and Mayor, Councillor Myla Arceno.

The awards were presented to the representatives of the community groups by the contractors, Council Leader, Mayor, and Matt Partridge, CEO of Stevenage Borough Council.

With sums awarded ranging from £500 to £3,500, the organisations awarded were:

  • Babyshed (Stevenage Vineyard) 

  • Bedwell Community Association 

  • Bedwell Rangers Football Club

  • East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity

  • Everyone Active

  • Friends of Hampson Park

  • Grace Community Church

  • Pin Green Community Association

  • St Nich’s Litter Pickers

  • Stevenage Community Trust

  • Stevenage Cycling Hub 

  • Stevenage Repair Café

Councillor Myla Arceno, Stevenage Mayor, said: "It’s a real privilege to be able to present these grants for the benefit of our Stevenage Community.

"The work they do goes a long way to help others and this money will support them to carry on doing this.

"Thank you to everyone who took the time to come along, it’s humbling to see the impact that everyone has within our community here."

The donations aid local community groups, contributing significantly to the work they carry out in Stevenage.

The contractors work in conjunction with the Stevenage Works group, a faction managed by Stevenage Borough Council.

Their tasks include repairs, refurbishments, and regenerations within the town.

In addition to providing career opportunities and training to workers, they support causes such as the Community Chest Fund.