Lewisham Council’s borough-wide Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) will grant money to 25 community projects, following a meeting of Mayor and Cabinet.

Around £900,000 will be made accessible to projects across Lewisham, as well as £260,000 secured in match funding from other organisations.

The funding has been targeted to support projects which helpto navigate and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, provide mentoring to the youth of the borough, support people with learning disabilities or mental health issues to find employment opportunities, and manage the social, local detrimental impacta of the corona virus.

Several groups are receiving funding from the Council for the very first time, including several organisations led by Black, Asian and other ethnic minority groups.

The money comes from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which the Council charges on new developments in the borough.

A portion of this money is allocated as Neighbourhood CIL (NCIL) and used to support community projects which benefit local residents.

Community groups that will be funded by the borough-wide NCIL fund include:

- The Rio Ferdinand Foundation, running regular evening and weekend activities for young people in Lewisham, in partnership with Grove Park Youth Club, with a focus on those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

- Ignition Brewery, working with Lewisham Mencap to secure employment opportunities for local residents with learning disabilities and encourage inclusive employment practices across the borough.

- Second Wave, a BAME-led organisation delivering workshops, training and events to young people in Lewisham, with a particular focus on supporting young women facing sexual harassment, intimidation or violence.

- TLG Lewisham Education Centre, delivering therapeutic support to young people at risk of youth violence, helping to reduce youth violence, school exclusions and improve wellbeing and educational attainment.