40+ local charities, projects and good causes to receive £51,000 in financial grants

Vulnerable families, mental health provision and Ukrainian refugees living locally amongst those to benefit from funding

22 May 2023: Charitable funds of a total of £51,750 have been given out by The Prince Philip Trust Fund to over 40 non-profit organisations, community groups and good causes working in the Royal Borough.

In a recent Board of Trustees meeting earlier in May, chaired by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, grants have been given to a typically wide-ranging number of local projects that support residents across the communities of Windsor and Maidenhead.

Mental health support for local people was supported through grants to both No 22 who provide a free counselling service for young people and adults, and also to Browns Community Services CIC who will be providing specialist counselling for 25 young people in the area who are experiencing homelessness, substance abuse and low mental health.

A number of grants were given to local charities who are supporting asylum seekers and Ukrainian refugees in the area. Baby Matters have received funds towards providing basic provisions for families in need; and the Tree House Community Cafe – run out of Windsor Baptist Church – are receiving a grant to upgrade their oven in order to continue to run drop in and cooking sessions for Ukrainian families who are living locally. The Maidenhead United Reform Church are also receiving support for their Spivochi (Singing) Project – a choir that is enabling Ukrainian refugees to connect, spend time together and sing with other local people in a safe and supportive environment.

Safety and security for local residents was boosted with grants to the Maidenhead Community Watch for home alarms, locks and other equipment for vulnerable residents, and Windsor Lifeguard received funds towards a new rescue boat.

Projects that are helping to broaden access to the arts have also received grants in this funding round. The Kevin Cruise Foundation has received funds towards providing free panto tickets to vulnerable children, families, carers, and schools who are disadvantaged either financially or medically. Additionally, the Old Court in Windsor has received funds to support their ‘Old Courters’ programme aimed at encouraging older people to enjoy their creative outputs and, in so doing, helping to relieve isolation and loneliness, enabling the elderly to feel valued and connected with their local community.

Chris Aitken, Secretary and Trustee of the charity said:

“I am always so impressed by the sheer scale of the charitable endeavours that go on, often quietly and in the background, within and for our local community. And it says so much about our wonderful community in the Royal Borough that we want to not only help vulnerable and disadvantaged people living locally, but also want to extend that help to those displaced by war and seeking asylum too. We hope that these funds will encourage and support those community efforts and in some way, make life a little easier for those who need help.”