In April 2024, Kirkham Creative Heritage Explorers Group received a significant boost from Fylde Council’s Community Wellbeing Fund, funded by the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Between February and November 2024, the programme allocated £45,282 to ten initiatives across nine local organisations, fostering over 209 volunteering roles and creating 185 new volunteering opportunities. Through these projects, the fund engaged more than 2,100 Fylde residents, empowering communities and promoting wellbeing across the region.
Kirkham Creative Heritage Explorers Group, situated within St Michael’s Church in Kirkham and run by Phoenix Rising, was awarded a grant of £3,923.01 to support two projects celebrating Kirkham’s rich heritage. The first focused on the history of the Girls’ Charity School, whose former building is currently being restored as part of the Kirkham Futures programme. Members of the group crafted rag dolls dressed in historically accurate clothing to be exhibited in the History and Heritage Centre at St Michael’s Church. The grant also funded a detailed model of Kirkham Market Square as it appeared around a century ago, contributing to the broader aim of showcasing Kirkham’s vibrant heritage.
A representative from the Kirkham Creative Heritage Explorers Group stated: “We are all very enthused by the prospect of researching, celebrating and promoting the history and heritage of our town, and your grant will ensure that we can maintain our work.”
Councillor Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, commented: “The success of the Kirkham Creative Heritage Explorers Group is a shining example of how our fund has helped to breathe life into a great local initiative to highlight the history and heritage of Kirkham, creating volunteering posts and reasons for people to get together in the process.”
Fylde Council’s UKSPF Community Wellbeing Fund has now closed, however Fylde Council continue to offer alternative grant schemes to local charities and organisations. If you believe you could benefit, find out more information on funding opportunities here or speak to the Health and Wellbeing team at community@fylde.gov.uk.
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