Grants worth more than £5k have been handed to Letchworth community groups.

Three community groups have been awarded a total of £5,450* following a meeting of North Herts District Council's Letchworth Committee.

Imajica Theatre Company

Imajica Theatre Company was awarded £2,500 for a community pantomime programme to take place in December this year, providing both affordable and complementary access to the performing arts.

They will put on a 1.5 days of professional high-quality Christmas musical performances for the whole family at a local venue, that is affordable and inclusive, particularly welcoming those with additional social and educational needs.

Sam Hough, Artistic Director at Imajica Theatre Company, said: "We are so excited about being able to share some Christmas cheer and give back to our community this year, make sure you check out social media to find out more."

Nova Wellness

Nova Wellness was awarded £1,950 to cover the cost of wellness therapy events specifically for Letchworth residents.

The therapies – which include well-being acupuncture, reiki healing, reflexology, holistic and ayurvedic massage, facial shiatsu and tension/stress release therapy – can help clients overcome their anxieties and fears, get them out into the community again, help rebuild their confidence, increase their mobility, as well as help with general well-being.

Nova is particularly keen to work with those affected by the Covid pandemic, including young adults, their parents, as well as over 60s, many of whom have been isolated due to shielding.

Agata Kisicka, Nova Director, said: "We are so grateful to North Herts Council for this funding and allowing us to reach out to Letchworth residents.

"Our mission is to provide affordable community-focused holistic therapies and well-being treatments to help improve physical, mental and emotional health of community members."

Letchworth and Hitchin Sea Cadets

Letchworth Sea Cadets were awarded £1,000 for IT equipment to aid training for the cadets, camping and boating equipment, education and training events.

The group also received matched funding from Hitchin Area Committee.

Rob Bentley, Unit Chairperson at Letchworth and Hitchin Sea Cadets, said: "The committee, staff and cadets would like to thank all at North Herts Council for the grant for our IT equipment.

"This will make a big difference to the way our staff teach our cadets.

"Our online training courses will be easier as we can now log on at the unit rather than the cadets attempting to do it at home without staff help.

"A big thank you to you all."

The group's aim is to guide young children to become more responsible young adults by offering a range of activities to promote leadership and motivation – from sailing, windsurfing and powerboating, to rock climbing, camping, and music.

Cadets can also gain national recognised qualifications outside the normal education remit.

Councillor Daniel Allen, North Herts Council's Letchworth Committee Chair, added: "The last 18 months have been hard on all of us so it's great to be able to support these community groups, which particularly aim to help those with additional needs, and those affected by the pandemic.

"We are also pleased to match fund £1,000 the Hitchin Committee gave the Sea Cadets, which offers a fantastic programme for young people across North Herts."