Mansfield-based support group Walking 4 Hope is among 16 good causes helped in the latest distribution of the Mayor of Mansfield’s 500 Fund.

The charity, which helps families and young people with mental health issues through walking and other activities, was awarded £500 from the fund.

A total of £4,550 was donated in the latest distribution of the Mayor’s Fund, which had so many applications that some were diverted to the Nottinghamshire Community Foundation as an alternative source of funding.

Andy said: “The work of these good causes is invaluable to the quality of life in this district and in these times when many people are under pressure from the cost of living, it is clear the support they offer in the community is greater than ever.

“I am proud and happy to lend a hand to the enormous contribution they make to support people in need locally.”

The Mayor’s 500 Fund is a percentage contribution from the mayor’s s net salary to provide grants of up to £500 for local groups, individuals and volunteers.

The money can be used for equipment, promotions and materials as well as revenue and capital spending, but must benefit the community directly.

Other recipients included:

Oar Blimey — £500 for George Nelson and Russ Davis, a two-man team from Mansfield who recently completed an epic 98-day journey rowing across the Atlantic Ocean to raise money for dementia support.
Switch Up — £500 towards the running of free boxing and mentoring sessions for vulnerable young people at Ravensdale Community Hub.
1st Forest Town Guides — £150 for new camping and cooking equipment.
Armchair Club Foundation — £300 towards its Ambitious Athletes Scheme, which helps young people in need to attend sports clubs and travel to coaching sessions.
The Forest Singers — £150 to buy new music and offer concessionary tickets to concerts.
Lighthouse Mansfield — £300 to supports its activities providing holiday clubs for children in Mansfield.
Mansfield St John’s Guides — £150 to help fund a trip to Monopoly Edinburgh, during which the Guides will face challenges and find clues across the city.
19th Mansfield Brownies — £150 for new sports equipment and craft materials.
Target 1 — £150 for branded clothing for volunteers of the sports coaching organisation.
Berry Hill United FC — £150 to help increase the number of teams, including a new under-8s team, and keep membership costs low.
Friends of Pleasley Orchard — £300 to help buy compost, plants, and tools, lay a solid base for a donated greenhouse, and provide free activities.
Guardian Angels — £300 to help fund mental health first aid training, volunteer recruitment, and high-visibility vests for volunteers.
Friends of Bellamy — £150 towards a prostate cancer fundraiser organised by Coun Charlotte Inkle.
Mansfield District Council — £500 to the authority’s Secret Santa Appeal.
Coun Sharon Hartshorn and the Pleasley Flood Committee — £300 to help alleviate local damage.

The next round of applications will be considered at the beginning of 2025. Details can be found at: www.mansfield.gov.uk/council-councillors-democracy/mayors-500-fund