The prime minister's earthquake fund has granted more than $3 million in recovery funding for Christchurch.

This includes nearly $1m for temporary community facilities, $900,000 for social service providers and $410,000 to repair tennis courts.

The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust, which is administered by Prime Minister John Key, has granted $900,000 to Age Concern, the Anglican City Mission, the Methodist Mission and Presbyterian Support. The money will be used to provide assistance for people experiencing hardship from the quakes.

It granted $410,000 for tennis court repairs, including interim repairs at the Wilding Park indoor facility. Courts at Tennis Canterbury-affiliated clubs and the North Beach Tennis Club will be repaired for the summer season.

The fund granted $250,000 for new football facilities in eastern Christchurch, including new goalposts, floodlights and temporary changing rooms at Linfield Park to replace the loss of Bexley Park.

A total of $190,000 will be spent on swimming in Canterbury.

Christchurch Earthquake Appeal trustee Rod Carr said it was worth investing in swimming facilities.

"These grants will help strengthen specific services that together will keep the recovery progressing," he said.

"The success of New Zealand swimmers such as Sophie Pascoe at the recent Paralympics in London, for example, proves the worth of funding competitive training facilities at Jellie Park.'

The Methodist Mission will use the money to support more home- based social work. The City Mission will help fund a new women's night shelter and men's day centre.

Age Concern will use the money for a community worker to prevent elder abuse and neglect.

Presbyterian Support will help isolated older people.

Methodist Mission executive director Mary Richardson said agencies were working together to tackle hardship issues.

"Many children and adults are tired and stressed. By working together, social agencies can achieve more to help them," she said.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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