Yesterday Rebecca attended the launch of the vision for the Gunny.

The Gunny is a patch of recreation ground in the middle of Canvey that used to be a WW2 anti-aircraft gunnery station whose guns kept watch over the Thames. The ‘Canvey Big Local Million’ are working with local mental health support charity, Trust Links, on a project to turn it into a real hub for the local community.

The plans include the creation of a new community building which will provide much needed space for community, social and volunteering groups by creating a space for people to readily interact, play areas for young children and their families and outdoor gym equipment for all ages. Trust Links’ focus means the plans also include a huge focus on environmental conservation with the perfect conditions for maintained wetlands, wildflower meadows and raised vegetable beds, allowing people within a residential area to reap the benefits of accessing nature. This is perfect not only for people’s mental wellbeing but also education for younger people, particularly those from a deprived socio-economic background.

Rebecca has given her full support to the Community Ownership Fund application brought forward by Trust Links alongside Canvey Island Big Local for The Gunny Project. This is a fantastic initiative which would bring a huge positive change to residents and this funding of £250,000 capital and £50,000 revenue would make a great difference to seeing it reach its full potential. Despite this funding, there is still more to be raised to make it a reality.  

You can find out more and help donate for the project via this link: https://www.trustlinks.org/gunny-project/