Community Come Together: Funding Our Future - Swaythling

Local Swaythling schemes are to be given the chance to secure funding thanks to a new participatory budgeting project.

On Saturday 24 April, Swaythling residents in Southampton, Hampshire are being encouraged to take part in a new participatory budgeting project which has been launched to support local communities and make the community safer and more resilient.

Community Come Together, which has made £17,000 available for community projects in Swaythling, has received 18 applications for funding. Applications received includes bids from local schools, artists, local church groups and residents all looking to work with the community to tackle issues and help make Swaythling an even better place to live. Every application has one thing in common – they are looking to support residents and generate a more active community.

The funding has been provided by the Abri Housing Group, Southampton City Council, and the Violence Reduction Fund. The event has been organised by a mix of local residents and organisations committed to building a better Swaythling.

Participatory budgeting is a process that gives Swaythling residents the opportunity to vote for the projects that matter most to them. Individuals and groups were able to apply for funding of up to £4,000 to support their ideas and projects. The idea came from an event held at The Swaythling Neighbourhood Centre last year when local residents had the chance to talk about what it felt like to live in the area. Everyone agreed that it was a good place to live but that there were more schemes needed to help local families and to make the area more social and active.

Each applicant has put together a simple three-minute video presenting their idea and outlining what the funds will be used for. The videos will be shown at an online event on Saturday 24th April, where residents can vote for the projects which are most important to them. Swaythling residents can register to get involved in the event and be part of something really special. You can register on line at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swaythling-community-come-together-funding-our-future-voting-event-tickets-148750664241

Garry Shewan from MutualGain, one of the organisations behind the event, said:

“We all know that when we work together we can make such a difference to people’s lives. Community Come Together is all about encouraging local people to get involved and help each other through these difficult times. Not only do the schemes get the chance to secure funding but they will let Swaythling residents know what is available in the area. I cannot wait to see how Swaythling reacts when they see the range of ideas that will be presented to them."