Thousands of pounds have been given out to charities and community groups throughout the borough to help support Newham residents.

The Aspers Good Causes Fund was set up in 2012 to support community projects by providing funds amounting to £100,000 a year to help organisations working in the fields of education, art, dance, music, sport and the environment.

This year, seventeen different groups received between £800 and £8,000 in funding as a result of the scheme led by Newham Council and Aspers Casino.

Last night, a special event was held at Aspers Casino, Westfield Stratford City, to celebrate the cause.

Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, said: “It is fantastic that together with Aspers we have been able to support a wide range of organisations who play a big part in helping improve the lives of our residents.

“These worthwhile causes do wonderful work in helping those who need support to develop their confidence or skills due to their age, disability or because they are facing difficult and traumatic times in their lives.

“I am delighted that we have been able to support these schemes and through the Aspers Good Causes Fund which by the end of the year will have provided local groups with a total of £400,000. I hope we will be able to support even more in years to come.”

This year’s chosen groups have altogether recieved £80,000 between them and the remaining £20,000 will fund tickets for 2,000 children and young people to visit the Aspinall Foundation’s Port Lympne and Howlet Wildlife Park in Kent as part of a wildlife conservation project.

The groups that received funding this year include the Newham Swords Fencing Club who received £6,400 towards running sessions for children with disabilities or special needs and adults who want to improve their fencing skills and The Drop in Bereavement Centre received £4,400 to provide workshops, support sessions and outings for those struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one.

Linda Strachan BEM, Club Manager and coach of Newham Swords Fencing Club, said: “This award will enable us to serve the community through extra provision for adults and children with disabilities. I am delighted our work has been recognised by the fund.”