A GROUP of Southampton volunteers which look after the social needs of elderly Asian women in the community was one of several charities and volunteer organisations across Hampshire to be awarded a cash grant of £1000 as part of the Comic Relief Community Cash initiative.
Apna Group runs a lunch club with visiting speakers and arranges meal outings for the women twice a year as a means of enabling them to retain their independence.
The group will use the cash raised via Red Nose Day to run Tai Chi classes for up to 30 with a trained instructor.
Apna Group hopes that by offering a regular weekly activity the ladies will be more active, mobile and healthy, as well as provide a space for them to socialise.
The group also plan to include a chair bound exercise programme as well so even members with limited mobility will be able to take part.
Manju Chopra, supporter of the Apna Group, said “I’ve known the Apna Group well for the last ten years and this grant will provide a welcome boost to the organisation. The members attend regularly and benefit from the activities which help improve their physical and mental wellbeing, as well as reducing isolation.”
Other groups that received grants in the Southampton area include Families First who support fathers to remain involved in the care of their children, Friends of St James Park who help to maintain St James Park as well as run its cafe and other facilities, and The Caulkheads Walking Football Club, which allows seniors to enjoy the beautiful game at a relaxed pace.
Comic Relief Community Cash grants were awarded to 47 voluntary organisations and charitable groups across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. £46,174 was given out in total.
Cash went to:
Dwarf Sport Association UK South Central Region £1,000
Eastleigh Borough & Romsey MENCAP £1,000
Joyful Jams CIC £1,000
Young People's Wellbeing Service Ltd £1,000
Harbour Cancer Support Centre £1,000
Loud and Proud £1,000
Marvels and Meltdowns £1,000
Compass Counselling Service £1,000
Home-Start New Forest £1,000
HOPE New Forest £1,000
New Forest Disability Information Service £1,000
SCARF £1,000
Southampton
Apna Group £1,000
Caulkhead Strollers Walking Football Club £1,000
Families First Southampton £1,000
Friends of St James' Park £1,000
Merryoak Computer Club £1,000
New Dawn Child Contact Centre £1,000
Southampton (Hardmoor) Opportunity Group £1,000
Test Valley
James's Place Community Group (JPCG) £1,000
Test Valley Men's Shed £600
Home-Start Meon Valley £1,000
Winchester Go LD £1,000
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here