Good causes and community groups across Adur receive vital cash-boost

A wide range of local projects have been awarded funds under Adur District Council’s Community Grants scheme, recognising the vital part played by voluntary, community and social enterprises in the life of the district.

Over the past ten years, Adur Community Grants has given over £600,000 to around 200 groups, enabling them to try something new or continue a much-needed service locally.

Following a decision made earlier this month, eight groups have received funding as part of the 2018/19 Grants budget. The funds will help to reach the most vulnerable and in need of support across Adur.

Councillor David Simmons, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

“Adur has a vibrant and diverse community and voluntary sector. Hundreds of charities and groups help our residents to prosper, thrive, and be healthy and happy. Many of these groups are running on no monetary income and are hugely dependent on the time and commitment of dedicated volunteers. Our Community Grants help to show just how much Adur Council values the sector, and we are proud to be supporting them in this way.”

One of the projects to receive funding is the Grace Eyre Foundation. The Foundation has been awarded £2,500 to continue its work to reduce social isolation for those with learning disabilities in the local area. Lynn Stevens, the Foundation’s Fundraising Manager, said:

“Grace Eyre’s vision is a society where people with learning disabilities are respected as equal citizens, are part of and contribute to their communities, and where people can fulfil their dreams and wishes. We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded this grant to help kick-start new friendship group for people with learning disabilities in Adur, and we look forward to working closely with Sustainable Sussex.”

Sustainable Sussex is another project to receive funding, which works with mixed needs groups on sustainable projects in Sompting and Worthing. It has been allocated £1,000 to help continue its work to provide meaningful real-work experience, education and employment to people who find access to the workplace difficult. Project Leader Keith Colin said:

“The Adur Community Grant will help us to engage more people on our projects locally, as we move our office to Sompting Estate.  As a grass-roots project, small funding pots like Adur Community Grants are essential to our success as we grow.  We have limited resources but with support like this we are able to grow our projects, the people who make them happen, and our connections in the community.”

The full list of those allocated funds is:

The Angling Trust Sussex Marine Region – awarded £1,000

International Neighbours – awarded £1,300

The Grace Eyre Foundation – awarded £2,500

Homestart Arun, Worthing and Adur – awarded £3,000

4sight Vision Support – awarded £2,000

The As You Are Centre – awarded £2,500

Adur and Access Mobility – awarded £1,000

Sustainable Sussex – awarded £1,000.

The Adur Community Grants are now open again. If you are a local voluntary, community or social enterprise in the district and would like to find out more, please visit: https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/grants-and-funding/