Trust Links, a charity that helps reduce isolation and improve wellbeing through nature-based activities and therapeutic gardening, has been awarded £10,000 from National Highways’ Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund.
As part of its commitment to creating a lasting positive legacy, the Lower Thames Crossing will invest almost £2 million in community projects during the construction of the new road, supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference to local people and places.
The funding will enable Trust Links, an Essex-based charity, to create a new community garden in South Ockendon. The garden will give residents the opportunity to learn practical gardening skills, grow fresh produce and take part in cooking sessions using ingredients harvested from the site. Designed to bring people together, the project will help tackle social isolation, improve physical and mental wellbeing, and strengthen connections within the local community.
Caption: In the garden with Trust Links charity.
Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood, said: “The Government’s significant investment in the Lower Thames Crossing will help local communities by relieving congestion at Dartford and creating new opportunities, but also by backing local good causes that will make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Matt King, CEO of Trust Links, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding, enabling us to deliver a programme of nature-based community workshops at the Flowers Estate in South Ockendon. We are finding that the needs around skills development, community connection and mental health have never been greater. Investment such as this is essential to enable the voluntary and community sector to work with residents to improve mental health and wellbeing locally.”
Katharina Ferguson, Sustainability and Supply Chain Director, Lower Thames Crossing said: “We are committed to being a good neighbour and it’s a privilege to be able to support a diverse range of projects, run by dedicated volunteers, who all share the goal of improving local wellbeing.”
Funding applications are reviewed by a panel of representatives from local authorities, community groups, National Highways and Essex Community Foundation, ensuring support is directed to projects that deliver lasting benefits for local communities.
In Essex, 31 Brentwood, Havering and Thurrock charities and community groups have been awarded cash grants of up to £10,000 from the Lower Thames Crossing’s Community Fund. Each will enhance the quality of life for the local community by boosting skills and employment, improving mental health and wellbeing and helping people feel connected within their local areas.
Caption: CPR training with Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust
Other groups to benefit include Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust, enabling CPR training across Thurrock and Brentwood. The Aveley Men’s Shed will also receive funding to purchase tools and equipment, allowing it to expand its programme of teaching woodworking to the local community, helping to combat isolation and loneliness.
The next round of the Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund is due to launch in early 2027.
