St Anthony’s ward councillors are supporting low-cost counselling for local people on restricted incomes and a pilot support group for young people to improve mental health.
They approved £3,000 towards the project – which is being delivered by not-for-profit company, The Old Bank Wellbeing Trust – through the council’s Devolved Budget scheme in February.
The support group for young people in years 10 and 11 will focus on managing anxiety and is led by a counsellor experienced in youth work.
In addition, a scheme to provide sports sessions at the Archery Recreation Ground for people who are less active or feel restricted in their ability has been given £1,000. Provided by Defiant Sports, the programme will start with football sessions for SEND (special education needs and disabilities) children and their friends or siblings.
A further £850 has been approved to expand the YMCA youth club at Langney Village Hall and provide new equipment such as a folding pool table and music facilities.
And just over £1,000 has been provided to buy a fridge for the new volunteer-run Langney Larder that gives out free food that would otherwise be sent for waste.
In Hampden Park, ward councillors agreed £890 last month to help young people, in particular, access counselling and wellbeing services for support during the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Old Town councillors granted £450 for replanting in Pashley Infant’s School outdoor learning area where diseased trees have been removed.
Ocklynge Junior School was awarded £850 towards its well-established learning programme that reaches out to vulnerable children through the care of small animals such as rabbits.