A PROGRAMME of free community events on a Lichfield estate has been boosted by funding from a housing organisation.
St John's Grange Community Group has received the funding from Platform Housing Group's Community Chest Fund to provide family celebrations, school holiday activities and opportunities for residents to learn new skills.
The programme will include three family activity days featuring a teddy bears' picnic and games in the park, as well as Halloween, Christmas and Easter events.
Funding will also support sessions where local residents can share skills including crochet, knitting, card-making and other crafts.
Judy Green, treasurer of St John's Grange Community Group, said:
"St John's Grange is still developing with the second phase of the estate under construction, so we feel it is really important to bring people together and build a strong community from the beginning.
"Our events give families an easy and welcoming way to meet their neighbours, make friends and feel that they belong. They are always popular and we receive very positive feedback from the people who attend.
"For families on lower incomes, having something free and local to enjoy with their children can make a real difference.
"We're very grateful to Platform Housing Group for helping us provide activities throughout the year."
The group is supported by 12 volunteers from across the estate who help its committee to organise and deliver events.
Tracey Silk, community engagement officer at Platform Housing Group, said:
"St John's Grange Community Group is doing a wonderful job of helping residents form connections while their new neighbourhood is still taking shape.
"These activities will give children and adults opportunities to spend time together, try something new and build friendships with people they might not otherwise meet.
"We're particularly pleased that the events will be free and open to everyone, helping to ensure that cost isn't a barrier to families taking part.
"This is a great example of local residents working together to create an inclusive, welcoming and connected community."
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