Northamptonshire Community Foundation community hero of the week
Brigstock Village Hall CIO brings local people together through a wide range of community events, activities and creative projects that promote learning, wellbeing and community spirit. Working with local organisations and the village school, the charity encourages residents of all ages to get involved in activities that strengthen connections and inspire positive change.
A £1,153 grant from the Small Green Arts Fund, awarded via Northamptonshire Community Foundation, enabled Brigstock Village Hall CIO to deliver a creative community project highlighting the importance of recycling and reducing waste. Led by practising artist Michelle Reader, residents and pupils from Brigstock Latham's Primary School transformed waste materials into imaginative alien sculptures, which were displayed throughout the village during a free community weekend.
The project combined creativity with environmental education, giving around 100 schoolchildren the opportunity to learn about plastic pollution, recycling and climate change through hands-on workshops. The wider community also took part, with residents of all ages creating sculptures from reclaimed materials and learning more about waste reduction through information provided during the event.
The project inspired the village to think more carefully about its environmental impact, with positive feedback from participants and renewed commitment to recycling and reducing waste. It has also encouraged future community-led environmental initiatives, helping to create a legacy of creativity, sustainability and community engagement.
Northamptonshire Community Foundation is the county’s largest independent grant maker, having given more than £25 million in grants since its inception in 2001. This year marks an exciting milestone for NCF – 25 years of inspiring local giving for local needs. Building on this, NCF is also looking 25 years ahead, with bold ambition for a fairer, thriving and more connected county for generations to come. Their latest Impact Report is ready to read here.