Community organisations and individuals can apply for funding until 27 May 2025, with small grants of up to £10,000 and larger grants between £10,000 and £60,000 available.
Thousands of pounds in funding are now up for grabs in Enfield as the second round of the Meridian Water Community Chest Fund officially opens. Aimed at supporting local voluntary and community groups, the fund offers a share of £300,000 to help create projects that improve lives in Edmonton. Community organisations and individuals can apply for funding until 27 May 2025, with small grants of up to £10,000 and larger grants between £10,000 and £60,000 available. Projects can range from creating safe, inclusive spaces to youth-focused activities, job training, arts, or improving public areas.
The initiative is part of Meridian Water, Enfield Council’s flagship regeneration programme, which is not only delivering 10,000 new homes but is also committed to supporting local people through community initiatives, employment opportunities, and infrastructure investment.
Highlighting the impact of the first funding round, the Council noted success stories like long-term bicycle loans and cycling lessons, a community mural, theatre classes for disabled residents, new art clubs, and sensory room installations in primary schools—all delivered in Edmonton with Community Chest funding.
Cllr Ergin Erbil, Leader of Enfield Council, encouraged community groups to apply. “This is a fantastic opportunity for our local voluntary and community groups. We want the funds to go towards exciting programmes that will make a real difference in Edmonton,” he said. “Meridian Water is about much more than building homes. It’s about building opportunities for our communities.”
A webinar will be held on Thursday 1 May for those interested in applying, and residents can visit the Meridian Water website or email meridianwater@enfield.gov.uk for more details.
New Family Hubs Launched Across Enfield
In more good news for families in the borough, Enfield Council has completed its promise to establish a borough-wide network of five Family Hubs, with the launch of three new sites in Eldon (Lower Edmonton), Carterhatch, and De Bohun. These join the already-established Craig Park and Ponders End hubs, creating a powerful support network designed to provide easier access to early years and family services. The launch event at
Eldon Family Hub this week marked a milestone in the borough’s continued investment in families, children, and young people.
Family Hubs act as “one-stop shops” for a wide range of services. This includes midwifery and health visiting, infant feeding and early language support, as well as mental health services, parenting advice, and targeted help for adolescents at Craig Park and Ponders End.
Each hub is supported by dedicated Family Hub Navigators and Outreach Workers, who help families find and access the right support at the right time.
Cllr Abdul Abdullahi, Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said the expansion was a huge achievement:
“We’re committed to supporting families and young people across the borough. These hubs are more than just buildings – they are safe, welcoming spaces where families can access the support they need at the right time. I’m proud of the joint work we do with our partners and communities to deliver these services.”
The borough is one of 75 local authorities chosen to participate in the Department for Education’s Family Hubs and Start for Life programme. Since 2022, Enfield has received over £4.3 million in funding, with an additional £1.5 million secured for 2025/26. The investment is already paying off. According to recent data, 93% of parents accessing the hubs say they’ve felt a positive impact on their wellbeing and parenting.
Together, the new round of the Community Chest Fund and the borough-wide Family Hubs network reflect Enfield’s ongoing commitment to inclusive regeneration and community-led progress—helping to ensure that no one is left behind as the borough grows.
