Christmas activities on Droitwich estate given financial boost

Community projects Moving Forward and Starting Well – which are both based on the Westlands estate in Droitwich - have been awarded grants as part of our yearly community kindness campaign, which saw us support 117 local specialist organisations, charities, food banks and events across our communities; overall the campaign donated £82,135 last year.  

The donations provided a Christmas meal for vulnerable people, a Christmas party for families and a Santa’s grotto.  

The Moving Forward project is a community hub based at Westlands Community Centre, offering a wide range of services to local residents including a community fridge and a community cafe; funded by The National Lottery, it organises activities and events, offers support and signposting as well as providing volunteering opportunities.  

Nikki Beeston, Project Manager at Droitwich Spa CVS which runs the Moving Forward project said: “We are so grateful to Platform Housing Group for supporting us.  Being able to provide some festive cheer to those who need it most was so heartwarming and means so much to our community.”  

Chris Colley, Community Engagement Officer at Platform Housing Group said: “We are so proud to be able to support such worthwhile projects.  Moving Forward was chosen because of the fabulous work it undertakes and the real difference it makes to people’s lives on the estate.  We chose to support the Christmas grotto organised by Starting Well due to how successful it was last year, bringing so much joy to local families.”  

Tracy Duncan, Parenting Lead at Action for Children – which runs the Starting Well project - said: “The Santa’s grotto that Platform so kindly donated is such a focal point for residents on the Westlands estate; it really brings the community together and provides families with a real sense of place.  Thank you Platform.” 

Photo caption : l to r, Lorraine New, Community Health Connector, Starting Well Partnership, South Worcestershire; Andrea Quinn, Parent Support Worker, Starting Well Partnership, South Worcestershire; Mel D Cruze, Business Support Officer, Starting Well Partnership, South Worcestershire; Tracy Duncan, Parenting Co-ordinator, Starting Well Partnership, South Worcestershire; Teresa Baggott, Parent Support Worker, Starting Well Partnership, South Worcestershire; Chris Colley, Community Engagement Officer, Platform Housing Group.