The crowdfunded projects focus on youth services, skills, wellbeing, green spaces and support for families and were picked following assessment by a panel

Visitors to the community kitchen in Ponders End get chopping — Visitors to the community kitchen run by Cooking Champions in Ponders End

Enfield Council has pledged more than £42,000 to support nine local community projects through the Spacehive crowdfunding platform.

Supported projects include tutoring for disadvantaged children, the creation of a community garden, mental health support for young people, digital workshops, the refurbishment of a youth space, and a local careers fair.

Each of the grassroots projects has set an overall fundraising goal, with the council contributing up to £5,000 towards each of those chosen – although many still need further backing from local supporters to reach their goal.

The projects were picked following assessment by a panel against local priorities and the council is encouraging residents and businesses to get involved to help “bring the ideas to life”.

One of those chosen is the ‘Growing Together’ project providing gardening sessions for local schools, which was previously featured by the Dispatch.

Spacehive is a crowdfunding platform designed to help communities raise funds for projects that make a positive difference in the local area. By combining council funding with donations from residents, charities and businesses, the approach helps put more money into Enfield’s neighbourhoods.

While the council has committed a total of £42,108 in pledges, no project can receive more than 70% of its target or £5,000 from the council. In addition to donating, residents can also support projects by volunteering their time or skills.

The council cash has been allocated from funds raised through the community infrastructure levy, collected from developers in the borough.

Council leader Ergin Erbil said: “We are proud to support these inspiring community-led projects through Spacehive. I am proud of the commitment of people across our wonderful borough who want to make a real difference where they live.

“By working together with residents, voluntary groups and local businesses we can strengthen our communities and help these projects turn great ideas into lasting benefits for our borough.”

Misha Dhanak, CEO of Spacehive, added: “These projects have been shaped by Enfield residents with a deep understanding of their area and what it needs. Community fundraising allows those ideas to move forward, while also supporting the connections that help neighbourhoods thrive.

“We’re excited to support this group of projects, addressing everything from green spaces to family wellbeing and services for young people.”

To find out more about the chosen projects and help them reach their fundraising target:
Visit spacehive.com/movement/enfield/projects

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.