Community projects in Babergh, including Layham, have received a share of more than £21,000 to keep residents warm and connected this winter.

The 'Living Well in Winter' grant was introduced in 2023 to support local VCFSE (voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise) organisations in providing new accessible spaces and activities, or expand upon existing projects, in order to provide warm spaces and help tackle social isolation within the district. 

A wide range of organisations have now received grants between £500 and £2,000, with successful projects offering warm spaces, coffee mornings, movie nights, skill development workshops, lunch clubs, activity sessions, and safe spaces for a range of ages, from toddlers and teens to senior citizens.

In total, the Living Well in Winter grant has awarded £21,247 shared between 17 projects in Babergh District Council.

Cllr Deborah Saw, cabinet member for people and place, said: "I'm really delighted that organisations in Babergh have put forward such a variety of projects that will make a real difference to our communities.

"Winter is often very tough on families and older people, particularly during the current challenging cost-of-living crisis, so I'm glad that we can help these fantastic local groups to do such good work in our district."

• Holbrook Methodist Church - Living Well in Winter - Community Cafes 
• Lavenham Community Council - weekly coffee mornings and monthly film shows 
• Layham Village Hall - Lunch and Warm winter social group 
• Bumblebee Children's Charity - additional session per week 
• Gainsborough's House - Support for Volunteers Warm Welcome Coffee Club 
• Ladbybirds Pre School Leavenheath – Little Ladybirds
• Thorpe Morieux Café – Thorpe Morieux coffee, cake and chat
• Leavenheath Village Hall – Film night
• Long Melford Parochial Church Council – Warm space at St Catherine's with Holy Trinity Long Melford
• Sudbury Baptist Church – Mid-week community groups
• Leavenheath Community Pantry and Hardship Fund – Warm space
• Eden's Project – Teen warm hub
• Groton Parochial Church Council – Mary's House warm space
• Alpheton Jubilee Hall – Warm Wednesdays
• Bures Parochial Church Council – Open café and pop-up shop
• East Bergholt Community Café – Get out and about
• Stour Valley Men's Shed – Community engagement and skill development at Stour Valley Men's Shed