TEN projects across Maldon district have each been awarded £1,000 grants for their contribution to the local community as it recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Following an open application process, Maldon District's Livewell Partnership has funded the 10 initiatives, chosen by an awarding panel including Active Essex Officers alongside representatives from Maldon District Council.

The panel focused on projects that met the Livewell Service's aims, which include tackling obesity and encouraging physical activity, reducing social Isolation and older people's health and mental health.

Councillor Wendy Stamp, Leader of Maldon District Council, said; "I am delighted that through our Livewell Grant Programme, we have been able to support so many fantastic local initiatives.

"These groups play a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of the community and this funding will enable them to develop some new and exciting projects".

The organisations and projects are as follows:

-Friends of Heybridge Cemetery: Cemetery gardening project that will help people meet, talk and tend to graves.

-Maldon and District Community Voluntary Service:

Dementia Friendly gardening project in Maldon. This will provide a space for older people, particularly those affected by dementia and their carers, to take part in gardening activities with their peers.

-Maldon Armed Forces and Veterans Club: Delivery of Breakfast Club and Fitness Sessions for serving members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces and veterans. The club allows the veterans to talk, provide support, and connect with each other as well as run various activities to halt social isolation and promote mental wellbeing.

-Hearing Help Essex: Relaunching the provision of the hearing aid support services with specific focus around social isolation and older people's health.

-Go Padel Foundation: School engagement programme in the Blackwater area that provides opportunities for pupils to improve their physical and mental wellbeing through Padel tennis.

-Maldon Saints Youth Football Club: Providing professional football coaching for 3-6 year olds in the district.

-Steeple Community Group: To provide seating in the local park to remobilise a coffee group and benefit the community.

-Kids Inspire: Providing therapeutic support to children who are affected by mental health, emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

-Maldon Canoe Club: Engage older men & women to take part in kayaking and canoeing.

-Maldon and District Community Voluntary Sector:

Providing people at risk of harm from falls in their home with new well-fitted slippers to reduce the chances of accidents.