KCOM grants help sporting youngsters, first aiders and online surfers

The latest round of KCOM Community Grants has been announced - with six local groups helping to improve local lives named as winners.

The grants, which are awarded quarterly, have been awarded to:

• LetsTechTogther
• OSCAR's Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity
• Hornsea First Aid Centre
• Bransholme Bears U8s Rugby League team
• Priory Tigers U10s Girls football team
• Myton Warriors U12 Girls Rugby League team

KCOM's Community Impact Partner Louise Babych said: "Once again we've had an incredibly high standard of entries for our latest community grants and it's been hard to pick just six winners.

"But each of our winners does a brilliant job at the heart of their community, whether that's helping to get people online, inspiring children through sport, helping youngsters with challenging health issues or providing vital first aid.

"It's a privilege for us as a local business to help these group thrive and we hope their grants can help them go on to do ever greater things."

The first winner is Hull and East Yorkshire-based LetsTechTogether, a not-for-profit community initiative dedicated to helping people bridge the digital divide.

Co-founder Kat Duck, said: "Thank you to KCOM for this amazing grant! We'll now be able to expand our Pass IT On scheme and reach out to support more individuals and organisations with bridging the digital divide and getting access to technology. We know that in today's world, being digitally connected isn't a luxury - it's a necessity."

Next up is OSCAR's Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity, which provides practical, emotional and financial support to children and families facing a brain tumour diagnosis. Their £500 grant will fund five of the charity's 'Booster Boxes'.

Amy Owen, OSCAR's Fundraising Officer, said: "We're incredibly grateful to KCOM for their £500 Community Grant, which will help us make life that little bit easier for the families we support.

"The Booster Boxes will bring a little joy and comfort during treatment, to counselling for bereaved families and funding vital support, awareness and research projects. Every penny helps us be there when families need us most."

Out third grant goes to Hornsea First Aid Centre, which was set up in 2018, following the closure of the town's Minor Injuries Unit. The centre operates from a Portacabin in Tesco car park but, despite these limitations, continues to deliver an accessible community service. Their £755 grant will fund new uniforms and equipment.

Founder Rosie Bullard said: "Thank you so much to KCOM for their generous donation to Hornsea First Aid Centre. The money means a lot to us as we work from a portacabin in Tesco Car Park."

Finally we have three local youth sport teams who will each receive a KCOM Community Grant.

Bransholme Bears U8s Rugby League team will use their £450 grant to buy essential training equipment.

Head Coach Paul Compton said: "On behalf of the club, coaches and most importantly the children at Bransholme Bears, I'd like to pass on a huge thank you to KCOM for their support with a Community Grant. This money will make a massive difference in allowing us to purchase vital training equipment, tackle pads and mats to ensure we are able to continue offering families within the local community a safe and fun environment for their children to play sport."

Myton Warriors U12 Girls supports around 500 children from across Hull, giving them opportunities to "play rugby league, build friendships, develop confidence and be part of a strong community".

Their £450 grant will be help buy an Xbot camera for the Under-12s girls team, allowing them to capture and share the girls' games.

Coach John-Paul Knight said: "Thank you again for investing in the Myton Warriors Under-12s Girls and grassroots rugby league. Without the support of sponsors such as KCOM, much of what the club provides simply would not be possible. We're extremely grateful for your support and look forward to putting your sponsorship to great use."

Priory Tigers U10 Girls is a brand new under-10s girls football team. The team has been inspired by the success of the England Lionesses and promotes girls football, equal opportunities, physical, mental health and wellbeing whilst allowing them to make new friends along the way.

Coach Paul Drewery said: "Receiving the grant to purchase pop-up goals will be a massive benefit to the team.

"They will allow us to improve engagement in our sessions by offering fun competitive small-sided games with appropriately sized goals. They will also be a benefit for training exercises where they can be used as targets."

KCOM's Community Grants have been running for 20 years and award up to £1,000 to local groups which benefit communities within the KCOM region. The window for the Christmas round of grants is now open and closes on Tuesday, 8 December.

For more information on KCOM's Community Grants and how to apply, head over to our page here .