Severn Trent’s Community Fund awards more than £50,000 to good causes in Chester

More than £50,000 has been awarded to charities and good causes in Chester by Severn Trent’s Community Fund over the past four years, supporting them in offering their vital services and projects.

Back in 2020, the water company committed to donating £10 million to projects in the region over a five-year period. An additional £1.6m was given in further support to help our communities deal with the impact of Coronavirus.  

We have now entered that final year of the initial funding commitment to the communities across the Severn Trent region and the team are reflecting about the work that has taken place, the amazing people who they have met and looking at what comes next. 

Across Chester, a total of £53,425 has been awarded to 10 organisations, projects and charities since the fund began, which has benefited 1,133 people. 

Over the years, the fund has supported an array of amazing organisations, good causes and projects in the area including Passion for Learning, Chapter and Platform for Life. 

Fran Pymer, Wellbeing Lead at Chapter, said:

“Severn Trent has enabled us to have a water conservation project which makes us self-sufficient with both our plots. The allotments have become a lifeline for people who can come down, garden and enjoy the green space. “It was fascinating to find out that Severn Trent covered the Chester area and brilliant that they could help us with funding to develop the allotment.” 

The look back over the past four years comes as the Severn Trent Community Fund releases its Annual Review for 2023/24. Throughout the past financial year, a total of £1,384,481 has been awarded to 62 organisations across the Severn Trent region. 

The fund was set up to support projects with a link to one or more of our three elements of community wellbeing – People, Place and Environment, something that continues to be at the heart of the work that the team does. 

Jade Gough, Severn Trent Community Fund Officer, said:

“What a four years it has been. Hugely rewarding, inspirational and wonderful to learn more about all the amazing projects and charities that are out there supporting the communities in Chester. 

“Little did we know back in January 2020 when we first opened the fund to applications, how our first year would turn out with Coronavirus changing all our lives. It meant that straight away we had to pivot and support charities and community groups with emergency grants. 

“But we adapted, we grew, people started to learn more about us and now four years on, to be able to see all the grants provided by the Community Fund having such a positive impact, all the hard work has been worth it. 

“One thing that has shone through from all the projects across the past four years is the people at the heart of them and the incredible commitment to their communities and doing all they can for them. We could not be prouder to be a small part of their story. 

“Now we look forward to the year ahead, helping even more projects and organisations and shaping what is next for Severn Trent’s Community Fund.” 

Applications to the Community Fund are welcomed all-year round.

For further information or to apply visit:

http://www.stwater.co.uk/communityfund