Five local organisations have received community grants totalling £8,590 from the New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee, which has an annual budget of £20,000 for such awards. The grants, approved at the committee's meeting on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, aim to support a range of local initiatives.
Disability Challengers secured the largest single grant of £3,000 to bolster their Kingston Youth Scheme. This initiative provides play and activity opportunities for disabled children and young people aged 11-18, with the aim of transforming their lives through play. Expected long-term impacts include enabling participants to be physically active, break barriers, and explore the world at their own pace, fostering a sense of belonging that combats poor mental health and low self-esteem.
New Malden Town Centre Partnership was also awarded £3,000 towards their Santa Switch On event and the upkeep of Christmas tree lights on the High Street. The funding is intended to enhance the town centre's appeal and safety during the festive period, creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors, which in turn is hoped to increase footfall for retailers. Many residents have also reported feeling more secure on the High Street during dark winter months, encouraging them to visit.
Learn English at Home received £3,000 for their project offering English language classes for parents at Burlington Infant School. This initiative seeks to reduce isolation, foster integration, and build stronger communities through language education. Measurable outcomes include learners' progression in English skills, improved ability to access local services, enhanced parenting skills, and increased well-being. The project also supports progression into further education, volunteering, and employment.
The Malden, Coombe and Kingston Branch of the Royal British Legion was granted £1,090 for the purchase of a National Standard and a Union Flag coffin drape. These items will provide dignified ceremonial honours for veteran funerals.
Achieving for Children was allocated £1,500 for their after-school club at the Old Malden Family Hub. This funding will ensure children aged 4-10 receive substantial, nutritious meals, particularly during winter months, and will support the development of recipe cards for families to replicate healthy meals at home. The project also aims to improve children's nutrition and teach them social skills, fostering a sense of belonging.
During the meeting, councillors approved all five applications. However, some councillors raised concerns about the financial sustainability of certain applicants and the potential for council grants to become a regular income source rather than one-off support. Councillor Giles specifically questioned Disability Challengers about their deficit and reserves, while Councillor Tracey expressed concern that the committee might be asked to feel part of that deficit.
The Neighbourhood Community Grants (NCGs) typically offer up to £3,000 per application, and the committee has £20,000 of funding to award annually. Further details on the committee's decisions can be found in the Decisions document.