Organisations in Tandridge have benefited from Gatwick Airport Community Trust (GACT) funding. Bloomin’ Arts, the College of St Barnabas and St Peter and St Paul Church in Lingfield, plus The Bletchingley Skills Centre, Burstow Parish Council and Oxted’s Make a Scene Theatre Company received donations of between £1,500 and £3,400 each.
Disability arts charity Bloomin’ Arts were thrilled to be able to finally install their dream oak sprung floor at their headquarters over the summer, thanks to money from GACT and Your Fund Surrey. Having previously had an impractical carpet, the new hard-wearing floor is now a safe surface for creative activities and creates a brighter, more hygienic environment.
A Bloomin’ Arts Dance Company participant said:
“When I get out of my wheelchair, it isn’t as hard as before. I like how I can move about now without getting carpet burns. It’s also easier for my wheelchair to manoeuvre around the room!”
Revd Ian Whitely from the Church of St Peter and St Paul says the money has helped them “with the set up, running and training costs for Lingfield Youth Hub, which provides a safe place for young people to meet and mix with peers from the local area, and take part in leisure activities, one-to-one mentoring and education opportunities to further their abilities and skills. Ultimately we believe the hub will lead to a reduction in both antisocial behaviour and mental health issues in young people.”
Make a Scene’s artistic director Andrée Trotter:
“The grant from the GACT has enabled us to support local families by offering free and assisted places to young people with learning disabilities and SEND, as well as bringing free performances into the community.”
Each year, the GACT invites organisations from Surrey, Sussex and Kent to apply for grants: in 2023, a total of £200,000 was distributed to regional good causes.
Melanie Wrightson, stakeholder engagement manager at London Gatwick, said:
“We know from feedback that these contributions have a significant impact, enabling charities, clubs and organisations to thrive and continue making a difference.”
Visit GACT’s website for more information on future funding opportunities.
