£10k funding donation secured for Clapton Green Gym

Local charity, Clapton Park Green Gym secured £10,000 funding for it's community allotment scheme at Longford Court with support from EQUANS.

Earlier this month, Clapton Green Gym were presented with a cheque for £10,000 to support the expansion of the community allotment scheme at Longford Court in Hackney.

EQUANS worked closely with Merle White from the Clapton Park Management Organisation to secure the funding from the South East Consortium's SEC Foundation. The Foundation is investing £150,000 over three years to support community projects in the areas they operate in.

Throughout 2021 EQUANS have been working with Hackney Council and Clapton Green gym to carry out works to help enhance the quality of life on the borough's estates.

The much needed funding boost will be used to purchase tools, a storage shed, and materials for up to 25 additional raised allotment beds, at a disabled access height, installed for free by EQUANS and a team of volunteers. It's expected that the improved allotment space will now be able to welcome 25-40 new users of mixed ages.

Merle white, representing both the Clapton Park Management Organisation and Clapton Green Gym, said "We're thrilled to receive this grant which will make such a difference to Longford Court residents! Green Gyms operate across the UK, with several projects across London, offering people an innovative way to get physically active, enjoy the outdoors, improve their wellbeing, and make a difference to their local environment and communities, like we do here in Hackney."

Cllr Clayeon McKenzie, Hackney Council's cabinet member for Housing and Resident Participation also attended the cheque presentation event. He said "Allotments and community gardens are fantastic ways for local communities to become more environmentally sustainable. They are also great ways for people to relieve stress, become more physically active and can help tackle issues of isolation and loneliness."