Three community groups in Letchworth have been awarded a total of £3,760* following a meeting of the Letchworth Committee.

Imajica Theatre Company was granted £1,340 towards their community panto this Christmas, with the money specifically funding 500 complimentary tickets to families on low incomes and with special educational needs and disabilities - providing access to professional theatre in the community to those who might not otherwise be able to attend. There will be 10 performances, over five days, at venues across Letchworth, of their new musical 'Rosie Reindeer and the Christmas Wish' which brings to life a story book that they have written. All performances will be relaxed theatre, immersive and interactive and include the use of Sign Supported English in their choreography using BSL signs.

Sam Hough, Artistic Director at Imajica Theatre Company, said: "We are so grateful to the support from the Letchworth Committee, we can't wait to bring our brand new show out to the community this Christmas, follow us on social media @imajicatheatre to see how you can grab tickets!"

National Childbirth Trust (NCT) North Herts was awarded £920 towards their local breastfeeding and postnatal support group 'Letchworth Bumps and Babies', which meets twice a month throughout the year at Mrs Howard Memorial Hall. Each group is run by a paid, NCT qualified breastfeeding counsellor, and is offered free of charge to new mums and dads providing vital support at such a momentous time. 

Hannah Lane at NCT North Herts said: "We are hugely pleased to have been awarded a grant by the local council to support our breastfeeding and postnatal support group in Letchworth. It means we can continue to run the group for the local community for the next year at least. The group may help someone breastfeed for longer than they may have hoped, or just prevent a new parent feeling isolated at a difficult time."

Nova Wellness was awarded £1,500 for three wellbeing therapy events in Letchworth. They provide holistic therapies and treatments to improve people's wellbeing, including acupuncture, reflexology, reiki and trauma/tension release therapy on an individual basis, and guided relaxation, yoga, meditation, and trauma and tension release exercise on a group basis. They have had much interest and amazing feedback since bringing taster sessions to Letchworth and want to expand to as many residents as possible, with priority given to those referred by local community organisations such as unpaid carers. The three sessions will cater for between 12 to 20 people, depending on the size of the venue available. 

Agata Kisicka at Nova Wellness said: "Thanks to the funding, Letchworth residents suffering from anxiety, stress and loneliness will once again have free access to group well-being therapy sessions. The team is very happy to be able to come back to Letchworth to deliver these events as they had such good feedback last year."