Hounslow Council have awarded over £270,000 to local community and voluntary groups to help support their projects. 

The total of £273,782 has been awarded to an eclectic mix of community projects including youth services, visiting support for the borough's visually impaired community, an intergenerational music making group and a nurturing space for young women as part of the second round of the Thriving Communities funding. 

An additional £50,000 has been made available through Hounslow's Borough Based Partnership to deliver five projects designed to help with the health of the borough, including respite care for vulnerable residents, older people and carers; after school youth counselling and a strength and balance programme for frailer residents. 

Hounslow Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Equalities, Councillor Shivraj Grewal, said: "We have a wonderful mix of voluntary and community groups in our borough and our Thriving Communities funding helps them deliver projects that improve the lives of our residents, not least in my own ward with £25,000 towards a new youth club at Heston Football Club.  

"Over 750* of these types of youth services have closed across the UK since 2011 due to austerity measures. Our funding is targeted and based on local need in line with our wider strategy to create a greener, healthier, and thriving borough." 

This funding has gone to 14 different community projects, and one of those is Heston Football Club, to help support a youth team. 

Emelia Biskowska, Community Manager at Heston FC added: "We are particularly grateful for this funding, as across England and Wales, there has been a 70%* decline in this type of support. 

"Heston football club is a place for all. We aim to build a sustainable club which is the voice for the local community.  

"It's vital that services that support young people are prioritised in this way. Thank you to Hounslow council as we are now in a privileged position to invest in this hugely important area."