A peace garden’s Buddy Scheme, life skills for adults with learning disabilities and health workshops for over-50s were all given the green light thanks to funding from the council.

Cabinet agreed to spend £142,702 from the Redbridge Community Fund to help nine voluntary and community organisations fund new schemes. The projects will include Forest Farm Peace Garden, Hazelbrouck Gardens, Hainault’s Buddy Scheme, which was granted £13,035, to fund a two-year pilot project to recruit volunteers for environmental activities.

Norwood Ravenswood, Oaks Lane, Newbury Park, will be given £26,541 to support adults with learning difficulties while the League of British Muslims, in Eton Road, Ilford, will run an over-50s Healthy Ageing Project, thanks to £24,464.

Any remaining money will be carried forward to 2013/14 for future projects.