Investing in communities

We are undertaking an ambitious programme of wider investment in local communities and the environment until 2025

The Lower Thames Crossing is delivering an ambitious programme of wider investment in local communities and the environment.

Projects have been developed with a strong understanding of local needs and priorities based on established relationships with stakeholders and delivery partners.

Even now, well ahead of us starting construction, we're working with Local Authorities, local charities, partners and other groups to invest in communities and improve the environment by funding projects across the region.

National Highways Designated Funds and the Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund are supporting various initiatives.

Launched in 2023 as a pilot, the Community Fund aims to pave the way for a larger £1.9 million fund that will be available when construction of the Lower Thames Crossing begins.

To date, 55 projects have been awarded grants of up to £10,000:

  • The Cyclopark Trust – a new cycling skills zone for children and young people, with provision for people with disabilities
  • Cobham Woods - support plans to enhance Cobham Woods and keep 6km of tracks clear for walkers and cyclists 
  • Heritage restoration works and interpretation at Dagnam Park, in partnership with London Borough of Havering
  • Woodland restoration at Telegraph Hill, Higham, in partnership with the North West Kent Countryside Partnership
  • A new 95ha community woodland at Great Warley in Brentwood, in partnership with Forestry England
  • Funding a new high-speed fibre broadband connection in Brentwood
  • Orsett Primary School – providing new outdoor play equipment
  • Odyssey Explore Scout Group – investing in new camping equipment so they can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award
  • Friends of Dagnam Park – supporting a conservation programme  

Find out more about how we're investing in communities

North of the River Thames

Organisation

Project

Create (Arts) Limited

Inclusive multi art form project that brings young people with severe and profound learning disabilities together with non-disabled young people in Thurrock

Katie's Heart Appeal

Purchase and maintenance of defibrillators for the community in Thurrock

Havering Volunteer Centre

To facilitate emergency food provision through foodbank vouchers and support volunteer recruitment for a volunteer centre in Havering

East Tilbury Defib project {welcome Forum}

Maintenance costs of defibrillators for the community in East Tilbury

Friends of Hardie Park Ltd

The purchase of a food delivery van for a community food project in Stanford Le Hope

Havering Green Streets

Improving the green spaces in Cranham and supporting communal activities

Micro Rainbow CIC

To support the running of an organisation that supports LGBTQI asylum seekers in accessing employment, training, financial services and housing in Thurrock

The Martial Academy Health and Well-being Charity

Delivering free exercise classes to the community in Tilbury

Trailnet CIC

Supporting the expansion of a weekly inclusive cycling session for children and young people, aged 4-25, with SEND in Warley

CoDa Dance Company

Pop-up workshop immersive dance experience supporting people with neuro-disabilities across Thurrock

Communi-Tea Circle

Expanding the support they provide to older people through hosted afternoon teas and reduce loneliness in Upminster

Essex Boys' and Girls' Clubs

Running a series of sports sessions and a sports leader programme for young people in east Tilbury

Evolving Communtiy

Supporting the cost of running weekly physical activities for children and young people in Grays

Friends of Dagnam Park (FODP)

Towards the costs of maintenance and conservation works for a community park and in Havering

Get Started Art CIC

To provide arts and crafts materials for a Coronation competition to organisations supporting children and young people with disabilities and vulnerable adults across Thurrock

Hearing Help Essex Limited

Expanding an information, advice and guidance service for individuals with hearing loss across Thurrock

Odyssey Explorer Scout Unit/Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme

Equipment for a scout group to support their camping trips and their participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, in Warley

One Community Development Trust

Supporting the running of local heritage tours including a boat tour for 220 residents from Tilbury to Greenwich, in Tilbury

Orsett and Thurrock Cricket Club

Supporting the coaching costs of a cricket club for the community in Orsett and Thurrock

Orsett Village Community Forum

Developing a sports ground called petanque terrain for the local residents in Orsett

Parents 1st UK

Outdoor exercise classes for pre and post natal mothers in Tilbury, Blackshots and Belhus

Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre aka Purfleet Heritage Centre

To support the cost of preserving and maintaining a grade one listed heritage centre for the community

Re Engage

Towards the cost of running social groups and a befriending service for older people across Essex

Special Needs and Parents Limited

To support a counselling service for individuals with special needs and their families in Brentwood

Springfield Playgroup

To purchase a free-standing mini climbing wall for a preschool in Upminster

Tapestry Care UK Limited

A project for people with dementia to engage in walking sessions across Upminster, Cranham and Harold Wood

The Complete Commedia Company Ltd

Project encouraging 14-19 year olds to take part in a theatrical performance at the Horndon Medieval Feast and Fayre in Orsett

Thurrock Christian Fellowship

Towards setting up a community café for vulnerable people in Thurrock

Thurrock CVS

A series of community lunch events across parks in Thurrock open to the community

Thurrock LGBTQ+ Network

A series of social nights, held at the Thameside Theatre in Grays, to provide a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community in Thurrock

Thurrock Local History Society

Supporting the development and launch of a web application displaying a zoomable interactive heritage map of Thurrock

Thurrock Mencap Society

Physical activities for people with special needs in Thurrock

Gateway Primary Free School

The purchase two benches with planters for a primary school in Tilbury

Organisation

Project

Bread of Life Ltd

Purchase of sun shade to make outdoor space useable and salary costs of relief baker

No-Walls Gardens CIC

Core costs and replacement vehicle to expand community gardening project.

Oasis Domestic Abuse Service Ltd

Run "Blossom", an employability programme for survivors of domestic abuse who want to rebuild their lives and re-enter the workplace.

Chalk Village Gardeners Club

Purchase of equipment

Girlguiding Kent West - Cobham Brownie Guide Unit (Kent)

New resources including books, badges, creative materials  and new play equipment plus a subsidised trip to elsewhere in Kent.

Cobham Community Pre School

Garden makeover including area of shade.

Friends of  Broomhill

Provide disabled access to the Old Orchard, nine acres of woodland owned by the charity

Gravesend Regatta Society

Enhance safety equipment and training to allow them to function more effectively as an organisation.

Northfleet Community Farm

Develop a small animal enclosure

Medway Sport (Medway Council)

Facility improvement of Strood Sports  Centre to enable the delivery of free community cricket sessions to targeted groups.

 

 

 

Shorne Parish Council

Provision of an automated external defibrilator and cabinet.

Thames And Medway Canal Association

Anti vandal site welfare cabin to be used as their headquarters.

The Cyclopark Trust

Creation of a new cycling skill zone.

11th Gravesend (St Marys) Scouts

Equipment to support the opening of a new scout section

Higham Parish Council

Items on our Wish List that would benefit the Community
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