THREE community projects in Basingstoke have received grants totalling over £1,000 from the Basingstoke and Deane Community Fund.

Administered by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Fund, £200 was given to Cafe in the Park, run by Hatch Warren and Beggarwood Community Association (HWBCA), £600 to the Basingstoke Hindu Society, and £310 to Hospital Radio Basingstoke.

The HWBCA has run its monthly home-made soup lunch service, with around 25 people attending each session.

Councillor Dan Putty, who presented the cheque, said: “We know how detrimental loneliness can be to a person’s health, and the aim of this grant is to bring local people together and help them to meet new friends while enjoying a nutritious meal and offering them an opportunity to get involved with activities such as bingo, board games and playing cards.”

The money given to Basingstoke Hindu Society will be used to teach young people how to play cricket, whilst Hospital Radio Basingstoke will use the money to buy internet radios for their nursing stations.

Grant Cornwell MBE, Chief Executive of HIWCF, said: “We are delighted to support the work of these hard working community groups and organisations across the town.

"The grants from the Basingstoke & Deane Community Fund demonstrate how a small amount of money can make a huge difference, particularly for people that live alone, or have recently lost friends, family, mobility or income.

"We encourage individuals and businesses to join with us if they would like to get involved in supporting the vital work of smaller local charities helping those in need across our area.””

Clare Pearce, Manager of HWBCA said “Thank you to HIWCF for this grant for ‘Friendship Friday’, which will encourage people to get out of the house to socialise and enjoy a well-balanced meal.

"We have two volunteers who will cook, shop and run this lunch and we will also employ a designated staff member to host each session, who will be trained in dementia awareness and will match interests and activity levels to encourage communication and interaction.

"Along with bonding over the fun, games and competitions, our visitors will also be able to take part in creative arts and craft activities and as a result form essential new friendship groups.”