Community Grants Programme

The Wealden Community Grants Programme provides funding to voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations delivering vital services across the district.

It supports projects that improve wellbeing, reduce inequality, and strengthen communities, with a focus on enabling sustainable services and supporting residents most in need.

Background

Communities across Wealden face growing pressures, including rising living costs, increasing demand for health and wellbeing services, and challenges linked to rural isolation. Organisations require stable funding to continue supporting vulnerable residents and delivering essential services.

Drawing on insight from local communities, partners and voluntary organisations, we established this programme to provide funding addressing these needs. The programme ensures that organisations can continue delivering targeted, high-impact support where it is most needed.

Objectives and outcomes

The Community Grants Programme funds 25 local organisations that deliver essential services to Wealden residents, particularly those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged.

It supports initiatives that improve health and wellbeing, reduce isolation, promote independence, and provide access to advice, skills, and opportunities.

The programme benefits a wide range of groups, including young people, carers, older residents, and those experiencing loneliness and those experiencing hardship.

Community Action

Community Action (formerly known as 3VA) is a local infrastructure organisation supporting voluntary and community groups across Wealden and the wider East Sussex area.

Through the Wealden Community Grants programme, 3VA received approximately £18,500 per annum between April 2025 – March 2028 to deliver targeted support services for grassroots organisations, including training sessions, volunteer development, and one-to-one organisational advice.

The funding was primarily spent on staffing capacity, workshop delivery, and outreach activities designed to strengthen the resilience of smaller community groups.

The project benefitted a wide range of local voluntary organisations, particularly smaller groups with limited resources, ultimately impacting hundreds of residents who rely on their services.

Key outcomes included increased volunteer recruitment, improved governance standards among supported groups, and enhanced capacity to deliver community interventions.

East Sussex Hearing

East Sussex Hearing supports people who are deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or deafblind, helping them to maintain independence and improve their quality of life.

Funding through the programme enables the organisation to continue delivering essential services across the Wealden district.

The grant money contributes to providing advice, information, and practical support, as well as learning opportunities for those affected by hearing loss.

These services help individuals better manage daily life, access services, and remain connected to their local communities.

By providing tailored advice and practical assistance, East Sussex Hearing helps individuals to overcome barriers and participate more fully in everyday activities.

The continued funding therefore makes a meaningful difference to residents across Wealden, helping them to live more independently and stay engaged with their local communities.

North Weald Community Transport Partnership

They provide accessible, safe, and affordable transport for vulnerable residents, particularly those living in areas where public transport options are limited or unavailable.

By offering reliable and tailored transport solutions, the organisation helps residents overcome barriers to getting out and about, accessing essential services, and maintaining connections with friends, family and their wider communities.

Community Grants funding also supports their door-to-door shopping service, helping residents who are unable to access regular bus services or who may otherwise struggle to reach local shops and facilities. The service provides a vital lifeline for those who may have limited mobility or fewer transport options, enabling them to shop independently and access the services they need.

Access to affordable, accessible transport can make a significant difference to people’s independence, confidence and wellbeing, particularly for those living in rural areas. This addresses one of the key barriers faced by rural communities and helping people remain independent for longer.

Sussex Support Services

They provide a safe, welcoming and supportive community space in Uckfield for people living with dementia and their carers. The organisation offers a range of activities and support services designed to enhance wellbeing, encourage social connection and provide valuable respite for carers.

The sessions provide a friendly and understanding environment where individuals can spend time with others who have similar experiences, helping them to feel supported and less isolated.

Funding through the Community Grants Programme supports the delivery of these art session. The funding enables the organisation to continue providing regular sessions and activities that promote social interaction, cognitive engagement and emotional support for both individuals living with dementia and their carers.

The project helps people living with dementia to remain socially active, maintain connections and continue participating in their local community. For carers, the service provides an important source of respite and reassurance, helping them feel better supported in their caring role.

Wealden Works

They support young people aged 16–24 in taking positive steps towards employment, education, and training.

Their programmes provide a structured pathway that helps young people develop the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to move towards their next steps.

Community Grants funding contributes to the core costs of delivering the programme, helping to ensure that participants can access tailored support, training opportunities, and valuable exposure to the world of work.

The initiative also connects young people with local employers and further education pathways, helping participants understand the opportunities available to them and take practical steps towards achieving their goals.

Outcomes include improved confidence, enhanced employability, and increased progression into jobs, apprenticeships, or further education.

The programme plays a key role in supporting young people to achieve their potential, overcome barriers to progression and build sustainable futures.

Impact and results

The programme has allocated £1,107,000 to support 25 organisations delivering vital services across the district so far.

The programme enables organisations to provide targeted support to residents, including young people, carers, and those living in rural areas. By offering multi-year funding, it supports long-term sustainability and service continuity.

Overall, the programme has strengthened community resilience, improved outcomes for residents, and ensured essential services continue to meet growing local needs.