Purpose

An application to the Community
Fund has been submitted by MHA Communities Hampshire South, a registered
charity supporting older people across the area, requesting £2,475.50 as a
startup grant to establish a new weekly indoor kurling group for older residents
in Fareham.

 

MHA Communities Hampshire South exists to improve the quality of life and
wellbeing of older people who may otherwise be isolated, lonely, or unable to
participate in local community activities. They currently support over 250
older residents across South Hampshire, offering a range of regular
volunteer-led activities, including exercise groups, with oversight from a
small part-time staff team.

 

The organisation has identified a
growing need in Fareham for accessible exercise opportunities for older people.
In response, they ran a 12week trial indoor kurling group at the United Reform
Church in Fareham Town Centre. Attendance grew from 4 to 20 participants within
this trial period, with demand continuing to rise. They also recruited
volunteers to support the sessions. Their aim is to build on this trial and
reach at least 50 additional isolated or lonely older residents in Fareham by
the end of 2026.

 

MHA Communities Hampshire South are seeking start-up funding to purchase
indoor kurling equipment, cover promotional costs, and fund six months of hall
hire and one staff member for 3 hours per week. They acknowledge that marketing
to the older population can be challenging and plan to promote the group
through referrals, word of mouth, local publications, newsletters, and social
media. To ensure long-term sustainability, attendees will be asked to pay £6
per session, with income and expenditure reviewed throughout the project.

 

The total cost of the project is £3,195. MHA Communities Hampshire South
are requesting £2,475.50 from the Community Fund to support the first six
months of delivery, with the remaining £719.50 to be funded from their
reserves.

 

As of 30 January, MHA Communities Hampshire South held £10,904.06 in
their accounts. In the accounting year 1 January 2024 – 31 December 2024 within
the Hampshire South accounts, there was an income of £155,694.83 and
expenditure of £126,127.46. Money received for this project will be ringfenced
for designated spending towards the establishment of the Fareham kurling group.

 

Both Ward Councillors, Councillor L Whittle and Councillor K Wiltshire
support MHA Communities Hampshire South community funding application.

 

Decision

RESOLVED that the Executive
Member for Leisure and Community approve the award of £2,475.50 from the
Community Fund with the following condition;

 

Money received for this project must be ringfenced for the
establishment of the Fareham kurling group