Accessing funds
To help support you with resident led projects we have our Resident Trust Fund
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Garden and outdoor projects (gardening clubs, memorial wall, pergola, shade awning, raised planter beds, greenhouses, patio work, garden furniture, BBQ's, jet washers, plants, encouraging wildlife such as hedgehog houses, DIY clubs, potting shed and many more)
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Day trips and outings (visits to a castle, theatre, sports event, music event, cooking event etc.)
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Music and art clubs and activities (choirs, instruments, karaoke, painting equipment, art and crafts, wool and starter kit for knitting club and many more)
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Games and social activities (pool, darts, board games, carpet bowls, weekly lunches, cooking classes, baking classes, weekly exercise classes, dance classes, singing lessons, outdoor games)
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Community events (BBQs, parties, celebrations, events involving local community)
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Digital skills and training sessions (digital rooms, equipment)
- Scooter storage, CCTV, fencing, car park works, signage
- Smart TVs, white goods, repairs or replacements
- Footpaths or accessibility works, automatic door installation or replacement
- Drainage, gutters, roofing, bin store works, guest room upgrades
- Communal kitchen refurbishments, expensive property modernisation
- Cosmetic enhancements such as fancy coffee machines, overly complex or expensive equipment, items requiring ongoing maintenance or future costs
These don't align with the fund’s purpose or provide sustainable community benefit.
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Local Managers make an application – when the application window opens. There are several application windows throughout the year.
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Requests will be assessed against clear criteria to ensure fairness and alignment with the charitable aims.
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Outcome - Successful applicants will receive funding and guidance on next steps. Where applications are not approved but demonstrate potential, constructive feedback, advice, and guidance will be provided to support future resubmission or development.
Communal Garden Transformation – Sunnyfield
Sunnyfield’s communal garden had become worn and unsafe, leaving many residents unable to enjoy the space. Working together with residents, we launched a project to fully revitalise the area. The old raised beds were replaced with accessible new ones, fresh planting areas were added, and extra seating and decorative features created a welcoming environment.
The transformation was made possible thanks to generous support from Mercer Building Solutions, who provided funding, equipment, manpower, and project management. Additional funding from the Resident Trust Fund covered plants, compost, and materials, while new benches were purchased using money raised by residents, making it a true community effort.
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust visited to advise on wildlife‑friendly planting and are seeking further funding to help us expand the project. We also partnered with Akaal Primary School, giving their eco‑club a planter to grow herbs as part of their nature studies.
The renewed garden is now a vibrant, accessible space where residents can relax, socialise, and enjoy gardening. It has greatly improved the appearance of the scheme and strengthened community wellbeing and pride.
Need financial support
Find out more about about allowances and benefits you maybe entitled to.