COLCHESTER residents have voted to support three great charities with vital funding.

The All In Colchester Alliance, formed by Eastlight Community Homes, has been working alongside residents to make their cities even better.

In February, community organisations were invited by the housing association to apply for a share of £3,000 to support their good work.

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Last week, three shortlisted charities attended an Alliance meeting to present their pitches to residents and gain their votes.


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The biggest grant of £1,250 was awarded to AFiUK, a charity supporting African families in the UK.

The money will provide food vouchers and energy support for single mothers in their mother and toddler groups.

Christian charity Bridgeway Mission will receive £1,000 to continue their support for refugees and asylum seekers and will contribute towards a commercial fridge freezer.

Braintree and Witham Times: Happy - The Next Chapter, Colchester Grant Awardees for £750Happy - The Next Chapter, Colchester Grant Awardees for £750 (Image: Eastlight Community Homes)

The final grant of £750 will be awarded to the domestic abuse charity The Next Chapter.

Based in Colchester, but working throughout Essex, the non-profit will use the money for new sofas for the charity’s family room.

Rue Garande, Eastlight’s Community engagement officer, said: "All three charities play a crucial role in supporting the residents of Colchester and we’re pleased that the grants will help them to continue supporting our communities.”

For more information, visit weareallin.co.uk.