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A total of £270,000 was allocated by ward councillors to projects that matter most to local communities, with a further £130,635 secured in match funding. That means for every £1 awarded through the fund, an additional 48p was attracted from other sources, helping local organisations make an even bigger impact.

The scheme supported 385 projects across the Borough and has now distributed more than £2.5 million since its introduction in 2011, helping strengthen communities, improve neighbourhoods and support local priorities.

The funding supports projects that align with the Council's priorities of helping people live well in their communities, supporting a thriving economy, improving neighbourhoods, protecting the environment and delivering community-focused services.

In The Nedge, funding helped create two vibrant murals at Hollinswood Primary School, enhancing the school environment and providing inspiring spaces for pupils and the wider community. The artwork has helped brighten public space, celebrate local identity and contribute to a stronger sense of pride in the neighbourhood. Funding also supported a unique mural on the school grounds, celebrating 50 years of the Farah Building being open, showcasing Hollinswood and providing a lasting legacy for children to be proud of.

Donna O’Reilly, School Business Manager at Hollinswood Primary School, said:

“The project has strengthened community connections, fostered creativity and given pupils a real sense of ownership and pride in their surroundings. Building on the success of this work, we are now planning a second mural with the artist Neil from AUniqueArt, due to be completed in October, which will celebrate our Year 5 and Year 6 children and their contribution to school life."

Supporting the Borough's economy, a grant helped Telford & Wrekin CVS launch the Sunflower Brookside Community Café at Brookside Central Community Centre. As well as creating a welcoming community space, the café offers employment, volunteering and skills development opportunities for local residents.

Jeni Kuczynska, Chief Executive Officer at Telford and Wrekin CVS, said:

“The Councillors Pride Fund was instrumental in helping us launch the Sunflower Brookside Community Café. The funding enabled us to promote the café, engage local residents in shaping the offer and provide affordable refreshments and community activities during the crucial start-up period. The café has become a vibrant and inclusive space that brings people together, supports volunteering and helps residents develop new skills and confidence. We are excited to build on this foundation and ensure the café remains a sustainable community resource for years to come.”

The fund has also helped support the Council's commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment. In Hadley & Leegomery, the Friends of Hurley Brook received funding for extra woodland equipment and to replenish water testing kits, as well as £100 towards the installation of two owl boxes.

Marion Vers, co-ordinator of the Friends of Hurley Brook, said:

“Walkers along the brook frequently comment that they like what we are doing and that it makes their walks more interesting and pleasant. Our future plans include a continuation of what we're doing: reporting pollution and spotting areas in the woodland, which could become more biodiverse with a bit of help from us.”

One project helping people live well in their community was the establishment of The Extra Chromie Club in Wrockwardine, which received a £360 grant to create a safe and supportive space for people with Down’s Syndrome and their families and carers to meet, take part in activities and build connections.

Clare Hollinshead, from the Extra Chromie Club, said:

“The grant enabled us to establish The Extra Chromie Club, providing a welcoming and supportive space where people with Down’s Syndrome, their families and carers can connect, enjoy activities and build meaningful friendships. Through monthly meetups, we have welcomed 25 families so far and organised trips for members. These opportunities have helped reduce isolation, strengthen relationships and give families a greater sense of belonging and support within the local community. The grant has also helped create lasting friendships and a regular network where families can share experiences, build confidence and feel less alone. We hope to build on this measurable impact by expanding the club and establishing a young adults forum, creating further opportunities for members to develop relationships, grow in confidence and enjoy shared experiences in a safe and inclusive environment.”

And in Madeley & Sutton Hill, a £1,000 grant helped deliver the Wiggle & Giggle low-impact exercise class at the Hub on the Hill. The sessions provide older residents with an inclusive opportunity to stay active, improve their wellbeing and build social connections, helping people remain healthy, independent and connected within their community.

Meanwhile, in Newport South, funding helped purchase a new Community Response Vehicle for Newport First Responders, strengthening local emergency response capabilities and helping communities remain safe and resilient.

Russell Brooks, scheme co-ordinator for Newport First Responders, said:

“The grant recently awarded Newport Community First Responders has allowed us to continue our work within Newport and the surrounding area. As an emergency organisation that relies solely on grants and donations, we have recently had several significant challenges, the main one being fuel cost. This grant has contributed to us being able to purchase a hybrid vehicle that will significantly mitigate that cost, and has also contributed to a new defibrillator for the vehicle.

“As with any emergency service, no one truly knows when they will need our services, and this will ensure that we are able to continue to provide the service to the community long into the future".

Councillor Paul Davis, Cabinet Member for Communities and Civic Pride, said:

“The Councillors' Pride Fund is all about helping local people make a real difference in their communities. While individual grants are often relatively small, they can have a huge impact, whether that's supporting inclusive activities for young people, creating new opportunities through community enterprise, improving local environments or helping keep residents safe.

“This year, councillors have invested £270,000 in 385 projects across the Borough, and what is particularly encouraging is that this funding has attracted an additional 48p in match funding for every £1 awarded. It shows how targeted investment can unlock further support and deliver even greater benefits for our communities.

“The projects supported through the fund reflect the passion, creativity and commitment of local groups and volunteers across Telford and Wrekin. From Newport to Brookside, from Hollinswood to Hadley, the fund is helping people turn good ideas into positive action and making our borough an even better place to live, work and visit.”

The Councillors' Pride Fund continues in 2026/27, with each ward councillor again able to allocate funding to projects that make a difference in their local communities.