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A cheque for £15,000 is set to make a big difference in East Cambridgeshire thanks to money secured by East Cambridgeshire District Council from Sanctuary Group.

Following discussions between the Council and Sanctuary over new plans for Walsingham Way in Ely, Sanctuary was keen to help community initiatives across the district.  The money will be split three ways to support:Ely Citizens Advice Bureau which, in difficult economic times, has helped to support local people with debt advice and guidance. This money will help with work to support people in villages outside the city.the setting up of Youth Councils throughout East Cambridgeshire following the example of the Ely Youth CouncilCambridgeshire Community Foundation (CCF) which makes grants to a range of voluntary and community groups in East Cambridgeshire. They will be able to double their donation to £10,000 through the Grassroots Match Challenge which CCF are running in Cambridgeshire. 

David Bennett, Sanctuary’s Group Chief Executive, said: “We believe that creating a sense of community is just as important as providing decent homes which is why we are keen to invest in local initiatives and groups such as these. The contribution they make to the area is vital and we hope our support allows more people to benefit from their good works in the future.”

Councillor Fred Brown, Leader of the East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "It is always good to be able to support groups in East Cambridgeshire which reach those most in need. The Citizens Advice Bureau in Ely has a terrific record in helping many of our residents in these most difficult of times, while Cambridgeshire Community Foundation has helped ensure our grant money reaches the areas where it can most make a difference. This money from Sanctuary is also an investment in our future with £5,000 going to promote Youth Councils who help young people in our district promote and deal with their issues."