COMMUNITY groups from across Brighton and Hove have received a boost thanks to the Pride Social Impact Fund.

From Whitehawk in the east to Portslade in the west, a record number of groups and organisations across the city have been awarded a slice of nearly £8,000.

The hope is they will use the money to bring a rainbow of happiness to their communities - in much the same way Pride does for more than 300,000 people who attend events in August.

Tim Ridgway, who sits on the Pride Social Impact Fund board, said: "We know that in these difficult uncertain times, this money will make all the difference to some of the amazing groups and organisations doing great things in our beautiful city."

Bids were considered by a panel made up of representatives from The Argus, BBC Sussex, Juice 107.2, Brighton and Hove Independent, Gscene, Brighton and Hove News, Latest TV and Latest 7 magazine.

Among the groups to benefit were the Tarner Community Project, which has received £1,000 towards providing a drop-in centre for a group of young people not in employment, education or training.

A further £1,000 will go towards supporting the LGBT History Big Top event, due to take place in New Steine throughout February.

One of the groups to benefit is city-based creative writing charity Little Green Pig, which was awarded £500 towards a project aimed creating a unique travel guide to Brighton and Hove.

Emily Hogan, of Little Green Pig, said: "It is fantastic that money raised by the public is going back into something which celebrates our city and the children that live here, and we are most grateful for the support."

Other grants saw a sum of £495 awarded to the Friends of Farm Green to bring a mobile farm to Bevendean during the June half term, while the residents of Ardingly Court will get a new lawnmower and garden shredder thanks to a grant of £300.

Bob Hammond, of Ardingly Court Residents' Association, said: "Pride has been having a positive impact on Brighton for many years, and it's great to see them also having a positive impact on local communities."

Further awards were made to Dottie's Cafe, which provides employment to deaf people in East Brighton Park.

The SIF aims to support those groups or organisations which need a little helping hand in making a difference in their community.

Funding comes from contributions made by businesses within the St James's Street Party area.

Paul Kemp, of Brighton Pride, said: "Pride is only able to deliver this fundraising with the help of local businesses who contribute to the fund and take part in the Pride village party.

"We’d like to encourage more local businesses across the city who benefit from the bumper weekend of business Pride brings into the city, to get involved with our fundraising efforts for all our communities.”

PROJECTS BENEFIT FROM SOCIAL FUND GRANTS

Pride Social Impact Fund board grants 2016-17

  • Brighton and Hove Speakers’ Corner – £250 to support five events and support to develop a more sustainable organisation
  • Ardingly Court Residents Association – £300 for new lawn mower and a garden shredder
  • The Owl House – £250 towards co-housing project for Older Wiser Lesbians
  • Tarner Community Project – £1,000 towards drop-in session for young people not in education, employment or training
  • David Harper of 4Streets in Hove – £250 towards community street parties, play street events and open-air cinema
  • Dottie’s community café in East Brighton Park – £300 towards running café that employs deaf people
  • Friends of Preston Park (bid one) – £500 towards Easter Egg quiz and hunt
  • Friends of Preston Park (bid two) – £500 towards Halloween event
  • Little Green Pig creative writing charity – £500 towards a videographer for This Is My City project
  • Stay Up Late – £1,000 to allow the group to develop it’s Gig Buddies project and LGBT outreach work
  • Friends of Regency Square – £250 towards purchase of the information board and the initial setting up costs of  tunnel exhibition near the i360
  • LGBT Community Safety Forum – £1,000 towards LGBT History Big Top Event
  • Marta Scott Dance Company – £500 towards helping disadvantaged or abused women develop confidence through dancing
  • Friends of Farm Green – £495 for mobile farm to come to Bevendean park during half-term
  • Mile Oak Rec Action Group (M.O.R.A.G) – £815 towards reviving the west side of the park to improve the look and allow access to children’s playground