Godolphin Cross Community Association boosted by CCF support.

CCF supports projects that make a real difference to the lives of people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.  Our Vital Signs research in 2017 demonstrated how important having access to local services is for people living in very rural areas in Cornwall, particularly for people who are lonely or vulnerable.

Godolphin Cross Community Association, funded by CCF, is a shining example of how local people working together can achieve great things in a short space of time with carefully targeted help from organisations like the Foundation.

The Community Association are clear about the value of the CCF support they have received.  Richard Mckie, Chairman of the 8 strong Godolphin Cross Community Association, says, “As volunteers, it always gives us a great boost to know that other people value what we do so much that they’re prepared to help us with significant and essential sums of money through a relatively speedy process. CCF are a great friend to us in that regard.”

Godolphin Cross is a small, remote village of 150 houses between Helston and Hayle. I n 2017 the Community Association took the bold step of purchasing the Methodist Chapel to run on behalf of the community. The Chapel had become the last space in the village where locals could meet for social, educational and recreational purposes.

Since the purchase, the Community Association has secured the future delivery of several existing village groups, including a youth group for 7-12 year olds, a parents and toddlers group, The Godoplphin Cross Womens’ Institute, a gardening group, as well as one off concerts and training courses. The Association also runs a Post Office outreach facility, a pivotal service for local residents.

Richard adds, “Being a Cornish community facing quite specific challenges (no shops, no pub, no play facilities) we appreciate that CCF understand and believe us when we talk about those issues – even though we do live in a beautiful part of west Cornwall.”

The CCF Business Club supported the Association with funding towards the establishment of the Tumble Tots parent and toddler group. In June 2018 Comic Relief Core Strength, managed by CCF, and the Community Fund provided £2,000 towards year one running costs. In December 2018, the Association were awarded £2,800 from the Mental Health Fund for Children and Young People for an innovative project offering community-based support to Year 6 pupils leading up to and beyond their transition to secondary school, a time of challenge for young people.

Donna Wheadon, CCF Grants Officer, says, “Godolphin Cross Community Association is a shining example of how enthusiasm, initiative and small amounts of funding can combine to deliver services for local people that are accessible and sustainable.”