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Thrive in top 3% of UK B Corps following recertification
Twenty point increase in impact score.
Posted: 18 Apr 2024
Community case studies
From LED lighting and weatherproof windows to fitting a new insulated roof, we’re helping communities to make vital upgrades that create warmer, cosier spaces for people to enjoy, at the same time as reducing the buildings’ carbon footprint and making them cheaper to run. Below are just some of the buildings that have benefitted from the programme so far.
Easton Community Centre
In our latest round, we gave £4,000 in funding to Easton Community Centre, part of the Eastside Community Trust, which is located close to our 20MW battery storage project at Feeder Road in Bristol. The funding was used to install loft and pipe installation, creating a warmer and more welcoming space, whilst helping to reduce the building’s energy bills. This means that the centre can continue its vital work in providing community advice and acting as a base for a number of local charities and grassroot groups.
“So much of what we do is trying to create a warm, cosy, welcoming space for people to enjoy – we like to call it the neighbourhood’s living room. From energy and legal advice drop-ins to exercise and reading classes, we’ve seen a big increase in the number of people accessing our services, many for the first time. We were concerned about the increase in energy bills, but the grant we have received from Thrive has helped us to take proactive steps in improving the building’s energy efficiency, not only reducing our own costs but making it more comfortable for the local community. It also means we can share our learnings about the process with people looking to make efficiencies in their own homes as part of our work on the Community Climate Action Project.” – Emily Fifield, Community Project Manager, Eastside Community Trust
The Centre @ Halton
As part of our 2021 round, we awarded £4,000 to Halton Community Association so that it could upgrade the community centre’s lighting and help install eco-friendly taps. The centre, near to our Caton Moor wind farm, provides vital services for residents of all ages and has become a focal point of the community.
"Whether it be our baby and toddler class, our over 55s lunch club or our Knitter – natter group, the centre has something for everyone and we’re proud to have been serving our community for close to 50 years. To ensure we can continue operating, grants such as those from Thrive are vital, helping us to make the centre more energy efficient and cheaper to run. They also support our green strategy as we work towards making the building as sustainable as possible for the generations to come." - Carol Slinger, Finance Assistant, Halton Community Association
BRIDGE OF ORCHY VILLAGE HALL
Located close to our Beochlich hydro-electric site in Scotland, the Bridge of Orchy village hall was awarded £4,000 to pay for new roof and floor insulation. The work was undertaken as part of a wider refurbishment, with the hall providing daytime activities for mums, children and older people, helping to fight isolation and promote inclusion in a remote area. The hall also offers shelter to walkers on the popular West Highland Way.
"There can be no doubt that we have achieved something remarkable that will change the quality of life for a "very rural" community." - John Kerr, community member
MILLOM BAPTIST CHURCH
We were pleased to support Millom Baptist Church, close to our Haverigg II wind farm, with installing new loft insulation and skylights. The grants helped make its school room, used by groups of all ages, more comfortable in temperature and increased the amount of natural light.
"We no longer need to put the electric lights on as the room is full of natural light and is so much warmer too." - Jean Liney, Secretary, Millom Baptist Church
THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE
The very first grant we awarded as part of our community benefit programme was to The Victoria Institute, close to our Caton Moor wind farm. Funding of £3,200 allowed the management committee to replace draughty doors and windows as well as install new insulation, pipe lagging and a water tank jacket. As we encourage in all our applications, work was carried out by local tradesmen.
We talk to Benita Smith, board member at The Victoria Institute, about how these grants have helped their community.
