The 2025 grants to small-to-medium-sized charities, voluntary, faith groups and social enterprises came from NHS ICB Health Inequalities Funding.

Councillor Gillian Ford, cabinet member for adults and wellbeing, said: ‘We had a fantastic response to this year's Community Chest from some truly worthwhile and innovative projects that are making a difference at the heart of our community.

‘The panels had to make some tough decisions, as there were so many worthy projects. The money they receive will go a long way to deliver some amazing services.

‘A huge thank you to the children, young people and residents who were involved in deciding which projects to fund.'

The grants of up to £5,000 in funding will benefit a range of organisations that support local residents by tackling inequalities including the cost of living, providing counselling support and half-term holiday programmes, among others.

Luke Burton, director of the Havering Place Based Partnership, said: ‘By investing this funding directly into community-led projects, we're tackling health inequalities in a way that reflects real local priorities.

‘I'm grateful to the residents who helped shape these decisions and to the organisations delivering this vital support.'