The Council has worked closely with Herefordshire Community Foundation (HCF), which has coordinated the Small Sparks Fund and distributed the grants.

The Small Sparks Fund provides grants of up to £1,000 to community-led projects designed to bring people together and help groups respond to local needs. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) supports it.

The response to the fund was overwhelming, with 98 applications submitted. In total, 56 grants have been awarded to projects as diverse as the communities they serve, ranging from improving green spaces and supporting youth activity to tackling loneliness and social isolation.

Some of the initiatives that were successful include:

•       The Core Skate, Hereford (£1,000) – providing equipment and coaching sessions to make roller skating more accessible for all.

•       Vowchurch & District Parish Council (£557) – converting a disused telephone box into a community hub with a book exchange and information board.

•       Bromyard Community Garden (£850) – transforming a neglected town-centre site into a “green hub” where residents can grow food and connect with nature.

•       Knit & Natter Collective, Ross-on-Wye (£400) – funding village hall hire and materials to bring different generations together through craft.

•       Kinnersley & District Parish Council (£1,000) – establishing weekly exercise classes at Norton Canon Village Hall to improve the physical and mental health of older residents.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, Cllr Graham Biggs, said:

“We are delighted that so many local organisations have been successfully supported through the Small Sparks grant fund.

“The Council is committed to empowering our communities by providing them with the support they need to continue to thrive. These local organisations represent the lifeblood of our communities, and the work they do in supporting people’s health and wellbeing, improving the environment and tackling issues such as social isolation cannot be understated.

“We wish all these groups well and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of the grant funding in the future.”

Robert Robinson, Chairman of Herefordshire Community Foundation, added:

“The Small Sparks Fund aims to foster local connection and help communities up and down the county to thrive. By working alongside Herefordshire Council, we’ve ensured these grants reach the very heart of our communities supporting the small, grassroots ideas that often make the biggest impact. It is our hope that these ‘sparks’ will go on to deliver long-term, positive change, bringing people from all walks of life together through shared interests.”

One of the grant recipients is Hereford-based Community Interest Company The Core Skate. The group provides a community indoor roller-skating rink and promotes, health, wellbeing and social inclusion.

Matthew Bushkes, from The Core Skate, said:

“The Small Sparks grant has enabled The Core to reach further into the community we serve and give opportunities to keep people rolling and try a new activity. These sessions are incredibly beneficial to both body and mind. Thank you so very much.”

• Find out more about the Small Sparks Grant Funding at the Herefordshire Community Foundation website
• Find out more about The Core Skate here.