County cllrs have helped more than 200 community groups and projects across Staffordshire through a funding scheme which has generated more than £800,000 in value, it has been revealed.

The Community Fund saw £2,500 allocated to each county cllr to support their local communities last year – and the cash has been used to help groups assisting veterans, children, new mothers, sports clubs, youth groups and villagers working to preserve their area's heritage and nature.

Cllrs have welcomed the fund's results – and the opportunity to support residents and groups in their areas.

A report on the 2025 Community Fund was presented to the latest full council meeting.

Cllr Hayley Coles, the authority's deputy leader and cabinet member for communities and culture, said: "We helped 234 groups, and for every pound spent you get £5.57 back in value.

"So for £144,000 spent, we've got around £802,000 back.

"What stands out for me is the projects that are so varied; antisocial behaviour projects, safeguarding, Sweetmore Meadow nature area and cultural and heritage projects such as the Tolkien in Great Haywood Trail.

"It shows there is a great variety.

"I've personally supported someone I've met through different events.

"They help with counselling children, after her own son in Tamworth died at the age of 16, and they give help and advice and put on events.

"I think this is really showing the difference we can make.

"It's using taxpayers' money and it's about using it the right way."

Cllr Mike Broom highlighted how he and fellow Biddulph representative Bob Egginton had been able to support a group in their town.

He said: "In Biddulph North, we have a local community centre where the kids go, they call it The Zone.

"We were there and noticed the state of the carpets – they asked 'where do we get the money?'

"Between us we were able to fund that for them and that's just one incident how the Community Fund can help the community.

"They're ever so grateful.

"If you would like some funds for your club or group in the Biddulph area, please contact myself or Bob and we will be happy to talk to you and make it happen."

Cllr Gary Hales said: "The Community Fund has been a real asset.

"To be able to give taxpayers their hard-earned council tax back, which is effectively what the fund is, has been great.

"I have just given £500 to Denstone for a defibrillator to be put in the village, which is very important.

"A number of parishes have been pleased with the community funds we have been able to give them, so I thank you for the Community Fund."

Cllr Gary Bentley, who represents Cheadle and Checkley in the Staffordshire Moorlands, said: "It has been a privilege to give it away.

"I look forward to it going up."

Cllr Janet Higgins said: "It's been gratefully received in the villages of Lichfield Rural West.

"I've been able to help various projects – and if we hadn't got the Community Fund, they wouldn't have been able to do the things they did."

Nine groups and projects supported by the 2025 Community Fund included in the annual report

Help A Squaddie – Cannock Chase District

"Funding was used to provide veterans with access to facilities for regular exercise and social connection, to provide low-impact activity and inclusive exercise for those with mobility challenges and and to fund organised group sessions that help build resilience, confidence and teamwork, delivering additional therapeutic benefits."

Mothers Mind Staffordshire Support Group – Newcastle Borough

"The Feeding Café, delivered in partnership with Mothers Mind, provided a welcoming and compassionate weekly space for new mothers navigating the early stages of motherhood.

"Alongside infant feeding support, Mothers Mind offer dedicated emotional wellbeing support to women experiencing the challenges of postnatal mental health, isolation, anxiety, birth trauma and the emotional transition into motherhood."

Twentyman Playing Fields – South Staffordshire

"Following a full refurbishment of the village hall, we have attracted a growing number of new and repeat bookings.

"We now run community events and entertainment, which is helping to raise awareness; however, we have received feedback that the venue was not clearly visible, well signposted or easy to locate.

"We used the Community Fund grant to install additional signage around the perimeter of the site and to replace existing, worn signs that were in need ofrenewal.

"As a result, we are already seeing improved visibility and increased engagement."

Sweetmore Meadow Nature Area – East Staffordshire

"Sweetmore Meadow Nature Area is a volunteer‑run outdoor learning space that provides children with regular opportunities to explore nature, develop physical skills and build confidence through Forest School– style activities.

"Funding was sought to install an eco‑toilet on site, this will remove the need for children to cross a road to external facilities, improve safeguarding and maximise time spent on learning activities."

Staffordshire Community Hub CIC – Stafford Borough

"Funding was used to create a daily warm welcoming space in our café/community area of the Staffordshire hub, offering a warm blanket, hot drinks with home baked cake, including light activities using our book corner and craft area, to encourage social connection – but more than that to listen to our community so that we can support and help them to build capacity and increase their health and wellbeing.

"Members will be signposted, encouraged to volunteer or create further projects, generally meeting new people and encouraging new friendships for the future."

Endon Arts Project – Staffordshire Moorlands

"Two artist-led workshops took place as part of Endon Youth Arts Club at Endon Village Hall on evenings during January and February 2026.

"Each workshop was attended by 15 young people.

"Feedback from participants and parents/guardians was very positive with reflections on the importance of creativity and having evening activities for the secondary school and teenage age group available within the village."

Meeting Point – Lichfield District

"The Community Fund grant will enable Meeting Point to secure weekly transport for the disabled and infirm residents of Armitage with Handsacre so they can attend weekly sessions at The Vine.

"These include chatting over coffee/tea and biscuits, as well as therapeutic craft work, a knit and natter group and visiting speakers

"The grant will also help to support the community transport service that Meeting Point operates, taking people to medical appointments."

The Mending Circle – Tamworth Borough

"The Community Fund grant enabled The Mending Circle to enhance both its reach and practical capacity as a free community group.

"Funding was used to purchase essential sewing equipment, including an overlocking machine capable of supporting more robust repairs, a tailor's dress form to assist with alterations and child-friendly sewing tools to encourage wider participation.

"Together, this investment has allowed The Mending Circle to increase mending activity, improve skill sharing, and keep more clothing in circulation by demonstrating the value of repair and reuse."

Amber Bee CIC Bad Apples anti-social behaviour project – Across Staffordshire

"The Barney and Echo projects engaged 24 schools across Staffordshire, reaching 1,350 children aged 9-11 and 1,500 parents/carers, with 144 volunteer hours from teaching professionals. The initiatives provided mindfulness, mental well-being, anti-social behaviour and internet safety education through workbooks, teacher/parent packs, and drama materials"