Manx Telecom celebrates over 15 years of It’s Our Community grant programme with 2023 launch
24 October 2023
Manx Telecom is pleased to announce the launch of the 2023 It’s Our Community small grant scheme, aimed at helping local charities, voluntary organisations and good causes to continue making a positive difference in our society.
This year will mark the 15th round of grants since the scheme was established. During that time over 175 initiatives have been helped to provide a huge variety of vital community services as well as social, sporting and cultural outlets for all ages and abilities.
It’s Our Community grants range from £100 to £1000 and one of the first to be given out was to help with the refurbishment of Laxey Working Men’s Institute, now a jewel in the Laxey Community. More recently Port Erin’s Men in Sheds project has been a beneficiary with a grant that allowed them to buy more equipment for their workshop which is used by men who may have retired, been bereaved or who might otherwise feel isolated.
Men in Sheds Chairman Eddie Ryan explained that the grant not only provided practical help but by allowing men to work together – and share a tea break - gave them a valuable opportunity to socialise.
“It’s often said that older men don’t really talk about their issues but when they are working alongside each other, standing should to shoulder, it is easier to talk,” he said. “So we are helping to look after the mental health of older men – and sometimes the younger man who finds themselves in difficulty.”
Manx Telecom CEO Gary Lamb said, “As a business that is all about connecting people, it’s easy for us to recognise the enormous value that so many voluntary and charitable groups bring to different sections of our community, whether they work within the mainstream or with more disadvantaged and vulnerable people.
“Manx Telecom has always had a strong community focus – the business itself was built to serve the Manx people - and, as one of the largest employers on the Island, it’s important to us to support the society in which we operate.
“I’ve had the pleasure of being involved with It’s Our Community for over 15 years and it is always very humbling to read about all the amazing initiatives taking place. In the current economic climate, fundraising can be very challenging and we hope that our grants will help out many good causes in these difficult times.”
Applications for It’s Our Community can be made online by visiting manxtelecom.com/ioc and any Manx-based voluntary or charitable group can apply. The closing date for applications is 17th November 2023.
