Greater Gabbard Wind Farm 10th anniversary community fund supports first local groups
24 Aug 2023
A lifesaving emergency medical charity and two local sports clubs have become the first groups to receive donations from Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm as part of its 10th anniversary commitment to Lowestoft and its surrounding communities.
The £50,000 Greater Gabbard Community Fund was launched in December 2022 to provide donations of £1,000 to help small constituted local groups near to the Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm operations and maintenance base in Lowestoft. The five-year fund will support community projects which enhance the quality of life for residents and promote community spirit.
The areas eligible to apply for funding from the initiative include Lowestoft, Carlton & Whitton, Carlton Colvillle, Gunton & St Margarets, Harbour & Normanston, Kessingland, Kirkley & Pakefield, Lothingland and Oulton Broad.
Norfolk Accident Rescue Service, Waveney Tigers Under 12s and Waveney Valley Athletics Club have become the first recipients of the awards, with the scheme still open to new applicants.
"A huge thanks to Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm for their £1000 donation. NARS is a small charity that doesn’t receive any government funding. Without external support, such as the GGOWL community fund, we wouldn’t be able to continue providing expert medical help and supporting the East of England Ambulance Service with the most serious or life-threatening incidents around Norfolk."
Stephen Rose Norfolk Accident Rescue Service, First Responder
Stephen Rose continues to say,
“The doctors, paramedics and first responders who volunteer for NARS have received extra training to provide trauma care and can administer more extensive drugs at the scene of an accident or cardiac arrest, vital during the critical moments of an incident - making the funding we receive even more beneficial for the local area.”
Mike Illingsworth, Chairperson, Waveney Valley Athletics Club, said:
“Greater Gabbard’s kind sponsorship of the 2023 Scores Race ensures that we can put on this unique and challenging race in the heart of Lowestoft.”
“Races play an important role in athletics clubs. Run entirely by volunteers, events such as the Scores Race support activities throughout the year including coaching courses, facilities and subsidised entries to races to encourage development and participation. Waveney Valley Athletics Club puts great emphasis on grass roots training, boosting health, fitness and overall well-being of juniors and seniors from all backgrounds and abilities alike.”
Kai Lake, Waveney Tigers Under 12 Tigers Team Manager, said:
“We’d like to say thank you so much to Greater Gabbard Wind Farm for sponsoring the soon to be u13's Waveney Tigers kit. Having a new kit will bring real sense of team spirit and comradery to players from various different social backgrounds and across the team as a whole.”
"We encourage applications from all organisations who support community spirit and provide opportunities to encourage new people to engage and immerse themselves in their local area.”
Jacqueline Durnin Community Investment Manager, Greater Gabbard Wind Farm
“Norfolk Accident Rescue Service is a lifesaving service delivered by volunteers and essential to the community. Both sporting organisations, Waveney Valley Athletics Club and Under 12 Tigers offer opportunities with such a positive physical, mental and well-being impact on a variety of ages – we’re delighted to help support them."
Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm is a joint venture between SSE Renewables (50%) and RWE Renewables (50%) with SSE Renewables operates the offshore wind farm. The 504MW offshore wind farm has been in operation since 2012, generating enough low-carbon renewable energy each year to power the equivalent of over 400,000 UK homes.
Further details on how community projects and local organisations can apply for grants up to the amount of up to £1000 can be found at: sserenewables.com/communities/community-fund-locations/great-britain/greater-gabbard/
Application for 2023 will close later this year on 24 October.