Foodbanks, football clubs and festive lights were among the good causes to benefit from a funding boost for their work helping Hertsmere communities affected by the pandemic.

Hertsmere Borough Councillors allocated just over £37,000 worth of community grants to groups and organisations that are actively supporting our communities during the Covid-19 crisis.

Among the biggest recipients were Borehamwood Foodbank, Elstree & Borehamwood Unity Network, the Red Trust Bushey, Herts Independent Living Service, and Christmas in Potters Bar.

Borehamwood Foodbank was given £5,820 to support the work of the foodbank and the purchase of much needed IT equipment to improve their behind the scenes administration while Red Trust Bushey was awarded £5,970 in funds to reopen its Community Café and start a befriending scheme and gardening programme.

Herts Independent Living Service will use £2,997 to provide a welfare fund to enable older and vulnerable residents to access their meal delivery services, providing a nutritious meal and much needed regular social contact.

Christmas in Potters Bar received £3,000 towards the hire of festive lights which will illuminate the town from Diwali in November through to January 2022. In addition, the newly established Potters Bar Crusaders Girls will use their £2,000 to further develop girls’ football in the area and to hold a mental health training day for players at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre.

Other recipients included WD6 Food Support (£1,850), Borehamwood Kosher Food Group (£3,000), Camp Unity (£2,400), Churches Together in Radlett & Aldenham (£2,000), football club Borehamwood 2000 (£1,500), Belstone FC (£1,785), Radlett Archives Group (£1,780), Watford Mencap (£3,000), Give Help Share (£3,000), and Radlett Reform Synagogue (£1,500).

Councillor Meenal Sachdev, who has responsibilities for supporting the community in Hertsmere, said: "I'm so pleased that we've been able to support a range of community groups and charities across our borough through this latest round of our grants programme.

"All of these awards aim to help local organisations to deliver much needed projects and services to our residents as we emerge from the pandemic.

"Whether through sport, gardening, community activities or services, local residents have relied on these organisations to support them through the last year and we recognise the valuable contribution that the voluntary and community sector makes to life in our borough."