Making Thetford an even greater place to live and work
Photo: Eastern Daily Press
Together with the Eastern Daily Press and Thetford and Brandon Times, we’re excited to have launched a new community funding initiative, Thetford shines brighter.
Our launch event on 17th October saw us bringing together local leaders passionate about supporting the local community to make a difference. We shared our recent research into the key issues facing Thetford communities and discussed where there are currently gaps in local support. Those consulted included representatives from local charities and community groups, local councils, housing associations, police, health services, and local residents via a street questionnaire. Bringing together a wide range of voices ensures a strong community response so that support will be targeted where the need is greatest in Thetford.
Attendees were then invited to choose the issues they felt were the top priority. These included mental health and wellbeing, supporting young people and the sustainability of projects for future years. Initiatives to improve local lives focusing on these key areas will now be planned and implemented, with their impact closely monitored.
Our CEO Claire Cullens said: “Thetford is an urban centre, with rich history surrounded by countryside, half-way between Cambridge and Norwich. But with areas of real poverty, it is often over-looked for external funding and support and somehow left behind.
“We know that small and local charities and voluntary organisations are the glue that holds communities together and Thetford is unique in that is has a higher than average number of people who donate their time.
“But we know that local services are under pressure and struggling to meet local needs.
“Through extensive research within the town and a survey of 100 local residents we have assembled eight key areas of action that gives us a framework to start to build a strong thriving community that looks after the most vulnerable.”
The launch is only our start point. We are delighted to be working together for Thetford to shine brighter.
Donate now to make a difference to Thetford
To donate to the Thetford shines brighter fund please send a cheque payable to Norfolk Community Foundation and send to us at St James Mill, Whitefriars, Norwich NR3 1TN (referencing ‘Thetford’ on the reverse of your cheque).
To pay by standing order or bank transfer please email us at accounts@norfolkfoundation.com
