CDA announces recipients of second annual Social & Community Fund worth £30,000

Central District Alliance has announced the ten charities, organisations and projects set to benefit from its second annual Social & Community Fund.  

The CDA’s Social & Community Fund awards grants of £3,000 to grass-roots organisations and initiatives that are making a direct impact on the BID’s areas and the people who live and work in them. The funding is an opportunity for the CDA to work with these local groups to make the district a better place to live, work and visit.  

The funds granted to each recipient will ensure that the local groups can continue to provide much-needed support and activities for local communities.

The selected organisations are committed to tackling issues from support for refugees and families to the social and economic development of young people across the district.  

Commenting on the organisations that have benefited from the CDA’s second round of the Social & Community Fund, Debbie Akehurst, CEO of CDA, said:  

“I’m absolutely delighted that the CDA can support these ten incredible charities and organisations that are working to make our district a safer, happier and more inclusive place. The work that they are delivering in our area varies from tackling loneliness in our district’s under-privileged communities to helping young and the vulnerable access employment. The work of these groups is key to ensuring the future success of the district.  

“Over the next 12 months, we look forward to continuing to support these organisations as we watch them deliver important projects for Camden and Islington.” 

Matt Powell, is CEO of Breaking Barriers, one of the charities supported by the fund, said: 

'We are inspired by and share CDA's commitment to the local London community and know that together we are going to make a difference in the lives of so many people in our city.' 

The ten charities, organisations and projects that received grants for 2023 are: 

• Bees and Refugees – A group providing therapeutic relief to fellow refugees suffering from the trauma and destruction they encountered in their home countries  

• Be The Band – A social enterprise offering group music-making opportunities for all. The organisation’s mission is to bring the transformative power of music-making through innovative projects. 

• Health Coach Kitchen – A project that tackles loneliness and develops the cooking skills of people from under-privileged communities living in the Bourne Estate 

• Ben Kinsella Trust – An organisation that educates young people through workshops and campaigns for multilateral action to end knife crime for good 

• Little Angel Theatre – A puppetry group delivering education and participatory activities in the theatre, in schools and around the community 

• Breaking Barriers – A charity that supports refugees access meaningful employment with advice, experience and education 

• Copenhagen Youth Project – A charity that engages and informs children and young people with choices that support their individual learning and personal development  

• Healthprom – A charity supporting vulnerable migrant children, women and families disadvantaged by poor health, disability and social exclusion  

• Sebby’s Corner – An organisation offering a range of services such as family referrals to provide items such as clothing, nappies, formula, toiletries and baby equipment  

• Central YMCA – A charity providing critical foundations for a fresh, strong start for young people and a better quality of life in the community to ensure they can belong, contribute and thrive.  

The Fund is part of the CDA’s wider programme of delivering social value through ESG initiatives. In the last 12 months alone, CDA has supported initiatives including charitable donations to Camden Giving and Islington Giving, as well as connecting businesses with local residents to fill job vacancies.