The second round of the Meridian Water Community Chest scheme handed out £333,000 in total to 24 organisations

Meridian Water Community Chest winners at Enfield Civic Centre (credit Enfield Council) — Meridian Water Community Chest winners at Enfield Civic Centre with (front row) deputy leader Tim Leaver, Daniel King from Vistry and chief exec Perry Scott (credit Enfield Council)

Local projects in Edmonton have received a share of £333,000 from the second round of the Meridian Water Community Chest programme.

The money will support 24 organisations offering a wide range of activities, including sports, education, youth groups, wellbeing programmes and creative workshops.

The money for the fund comes from developers involved in construction at Meridian Water, the council’s flagship housing development project.

Meridian Water Community Chest aims to “improve opportunities, strengthen our community, and create lasting positive change”, according to Enfield Council.

Local charities and not-for-profit groups applied for the grants earlier this year, with more than 100 applications being submitted.

The successful projects include football and basketball training for young people, repairing and refurbishing local church halls, the creation of community gardens, and poetry workshops designed to inspire creativity and wellbeing.

Representatives from each organisation recently attended a presentation ceremony, where they shared details of their projects and met deputy council leader Tim Leaver, who said: “We are committed to supporting our voluntary and community groups across Edmonton and across our borough. These projects are going to make a big difference to our neighbourhoods and residents, and I am so glad Enfield Council has been able to support them.

“This is what Meridian Water is all about, giving back to the community. Not only have we provided hundreds of homes for local people and a brand-new, award-winning playground, but we have also now provided over £700,000 in funding for Edmonton projects through the Community Chest programme.”

Daniel King, London divisional chair at Meridian One developer Vistry Group, added: “In partnership with Enfield Council, we’re committed to ensuring that the benefits of Meridian Water go beyond the destination we are creating.

“Alongside new homes, we’re helping to create training and job opportunities through the Meridian [Construction] Skills Academy and by supporting local businesses and suppliers. The Community Chest is a crucial part of that commitment, and so we’re proud to support these crucial community-led projects that will provide residents in Edmonton with practical support, new opportunities, and spaces to come together.”

Full list of Community Chest winners:

Face Front Inclusive Theatre

Edmonton Community Partnership
Platinum Performing Arts Limited

1st Edmonton Boys Brigade and Girls Association
1159 (Edmonton) Squadron RAF Air Cadets
St Peter’s Church
Demand
London Cycling Club CIC
Mb Community CIC
Steel Warriors
Wellbeing
Alpha Care Specialists
Roj Women’s Association
Refugee Workers Cultural Association
Pottery Café
Cancer Support
Nightingale Cancer Support Centre
Nigerian Catholic Community, St Edmund’s Parish Edmonton
Northside Youth and Community Connections
Galliard Primary School
Churchfield Primary School
Eldon Primary School
Learning for Life Charity (West Lea School)

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