CHARITIES have been urged to apply for a cash boost made available through the Oxford Mail by a headteacher who knows exactly what a difference it can make.

Rachel Crouch, head at St Nicholas’ Primary School in Old Marston, Oxford, was delighted when the much-needed Gannett Foundation grant meant they could build a sensory garden for autistic children at her school.

She said the grant of £9,000 from the Foundation – the charity arm of the Oxford Mail’s parent company Gannett – benefited the pupils immensely.

The grant was awarded in 2013 to charity Autism Family Support Oxfordshire, which supports the study, development and well-being of children and adults with autistic spectrum conditions (ASC) and their families.

Mrs Crouch said: “We have an autistic base at St Nicholas’ and the importance of having a sensory garden for all the children, particularly children with autism, is so much.

“We could not have afforded that as a school without the grant.

“The children have benefited immensely and we would recommend other charities trying to apply for the grant for those extra special things children need. It’s about the things we can’t afford with our budget, but which children still need.”

Chief executive at Autism Family Support Oxfordshire Gita Lobo hopes other charities will apply for a grant.

She said: “The opportunity is there for local charities to make a difference to their communities.

“It’s helped the children with their education and their sensory difficulties. We like that it’s local organisations applying for local money to have a local impact.

“The grant seemed like an easy application process.”

Every year the Gannett Foundation gives away about £20,000 to worthy causes in Oxfordshire.

Charities that apply could be in with a chance of receiving a grant of £5,000, £10,000, or even more, towards a project they are working on.

The deadline for applications for this year’s awards is Friday, October 16. Oxford Mail editor Simon O’Neill said: “We are once again delighted to hear from registered charities with projects that take a creative approach to fundamental issues such as education and neighbourhood improvements, economic development, youth development, local problem solving, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.

“The grants focus on projects that bring lasting benefits to communities that we serve with our newspapers and websites.”

* To put in an application for a grant, visit oxfordmail.co.uk/news/community/gannettfoundation.