Three Hitchin community projects supporting young people, older residents and care home residents have received nearly £4,000 in council funding.

North Herts Council has awarded a total of £3,747 following recommendations made by the Hitchin Community Forum on September 15.

The grants, subsequently approved by Cllr Daniel Allen, the council's Executive Member for Governance, will support projects ranging from youth mentoring to wellbeing sessions and live music performances in care homes.

Growing Resilience in Teens (GRIT) has received £1,500 towards training coaches to support young people experiencing mental health difficulties.

The funding will help develop a new mentoring programme designed to improve the confidence, resilience and wellbeing of young people across Hitchin and the surrounding area.

A further £1,500 has been awarded to Caring Herts CIC to support weekly wellbeing hub sessions at St John's Community Centre.

The sessions aim to help older people experiencing loneliness or social isolation by providing activities and wellbeing support.

Richard Julian, director of Caring Herts CIC, said: "We are delighted to receive funding from the Hitchin Community Forum to be able to offer our services to more people in Hitchin.

"Many older people already benefit from attending our Wellbeing Hubs on Mondays at Hitchin Cricket Club and Wednesdays at St John's Community Centre, but we would love to offer it to more people to help them feel happier, healthier, and less lonely.

"This funding will enable us to do just that."

Meanwhile, Everyone Matters has been awarded £747 to help deliver live music concerts in Hitchin care homes and community settings.

The project, run in association with Benslow Music, brings together professional musicians and amateur performers to provide live music for people who may otherwise struggle to attend concerts.

Margaret Archibald, artistic director of Everyone Matters, said: "Sharing the music-making we love with people who can't easily get out to hear live concerts is a joyful experience.

"This funding will enable us to offer more concerts in our series 'Performing for Hitchin'.

"Professional musicians and Benslow's enthusiastic amateur performers are privileged to offer music that has the power to spark conversation, evoke memories, invite participation and bring laughter and connection to residents, family and friends."

Cllr Daniel Allen said: "As a DJ, I have always loved music and seen first-hand its power to bring people together.

"I'm therefore particularly pleased that this funding will help bring live music into care homes, alongside projects supporting young people to build resilience and helping older residents.

"Our communities are at their strongest when people and organisations work together. I'm proud that we can support these fantastic local groups in making Hitchin a healthier, more connected, and inclusive place for everyone."

Community organisations can apply to North Herts Council for grants to support projects benefiting local residents, with details of eligibility and application criteria available on the council's website.