HELPING to bring people together, a ‘Community Benefit Fund’ has distributed £8,000 to a Holsworthy based project and the church in Pancrasweek to help make a positive difference.

Since applications opened a few months ago, the fund has helped to ensure the community receives support for projects that make a positive difference to the lives of local people.

Two community organisations received funding from Devon Community Foundation’s Thorne Farm Wind Turbine Community Benefit Fund — Holsworthy Rural Community Transport and St Pancras Church.

An investment of £3,000 was given to Holsworthy Rural Community Transport to contribute towards their ring and ride service. This service helps more than 250 isolated elderly people around the town and surrounding parishes who are without their own transport.

It helps them attend things like hospital appointments and allow them to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.

Martin Prentice, from Holsworthy Rural Community Transport, said: “Getting this grant is great news it will help us continue to provide the service to those who are rurally isolated, vulnerable and who depend on the service for social contact and for essential shopping.”

A local who depends on the charity to help her get to hospital appointments said: “It is a wonderful service and a lifeline when one is so isolated.”

A further £5,000 was awarded to St Pancras Church, Pancrasweek, in order to ensure the future of the village church.

It is a central meeting point for many community groups, and has helped bring people together and reduce isolation for the rural community.

Martha Wilkinson, chief executive of Devon Community Foundation said: “The creation of this Fund, with Devon Community Foundation is of real value to the local community. It will have significant impact within the Pancrasweek, Pyworthy and Holsworthy Hamlets area, supporting local voluntary groups and charities, enabling residents to continue to build on their vibrant and thriving communities.”

Applications are welcome at any time, if anyone has any questions or wants to find out more about Devon Community Foundation and funding opportunities visit the website www.devoncf.com, call 01884 235887 or email [email protected].