Gweek Seals under-fives playgroup supports vulnerable families with a grant from the Goonhilly Wind Farm Community Fund 

The Gweek Seals Under Fives Playgroup enables families to meet twice a week at a low cost in a warm, welcoming, large space with plenty of toys and craft activities. The group provide cake and beverages for parents and healthy snacks for the children and is at the heart of family provision in this community:

“This playgroup has made a huge difference to me! We recently moved back to Cornwall and I struggled with feeling very isolated, on my own with a young child for 10 hours a day as my partner works long hours. Through this playgroup I have made connections with other local mums, it has felt like a huge lifeline for me, it also helps what can feel like a long day, feel fun and easy instead. We look forward to it all week!”

With a grant of £3,447 from the Goonhilly Wind Farm Community FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions. the group subsidise fees for struggling families, purchased toys, and supported vulnerable families with additional provisions. 

The funding ensured fees remained affordable (£5 per family, £2 for children under one) and allowed 42 fully funded attendances. The playgroup also acquired new equipment, including a sandpit and wooden garage, enhancing the children’s experiences.

Activities progressed steadily, with 73 play sessions, four committee meetings, and a sponsored toddle, benefitting 150 individuals across the year. 

Feedback highlighted the playgroup as a lifeline for many parents. One parent remarked, “It has been great for my mental health and has definitely reduced new mum cabin fever!” Another said, “The funded place made the difference between coming to playgroup and staying by ourselves at home.”

The initiative also boosted community resilience by attracting three new volunteers and energising the committee, which had previously struggled with fundraising fatigue. The rise in wages for playgroup leaders, made possible by the grant, contributed to this renewed enthusiasm.

The impact of the playgroup is profound, with beneficiariesIndividuals being supported by the group or organisation applying for a grant. reporting improved mental health and stronger social networks.

“It helps people who may otherwise feel isolated and supports a feeling of community.”

The projectA piece of work that delivers an output. successfully strengthened community ties and supported vulnerable families, leaving a lasting positive impact.

About the Fund

Wind turbines have been generating renewable electricity at Goonhilly Downs on the Lizard since 1993 and in 2010 the 14 original machines were replaced with six modern turbines, more than trebling the clean energy outputAn output is a measurable change. It can relate to the level or quality of a service.. All involved with Goonhilly Wind Farm strongly believe that local communities should benefit from hosting a wind farm and the Goonhilly Wind Farm Community Fund has been made available to support good causes local to the site, for every year of the wind farm’s working life. For more information about RES, who assetAn item of monetary value that an organisation owns. manage the wind farm, click here 

This is one of more than 12 Community Benefit Funds managed by Cornwall Community Foundation.

If you are a community group looking for funding, please view our available grants.

If you are looking to support the Cornwall Community Foundation with a donation, go to our online donation page.