Community groups and voluntary organisations across East Sussex are invited to apply for funding through the new UOK East Sussex Community Wellbeing Grants Programme.
The programme will provide grants of up to £10,000 to support projects that help improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, strengthen community connections and increase access to local support.
Developed by UOK in partnership with East Sussex County Council and the East Sussex Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG), the programme aims to support organisations that are deeply rooted in their communities and understand the needs of local people.
Focus on communities facing the greatest barriers
Priority will be given to projects supporting communities where evidence shows higher levels of inequality, isolation and reduced access to services. This includes rural communities across Rother, Wealden and rural Lewes, as well as areas of Hastings and Eastbourne identified as experiencing significant challenges.
Funding will particularly support initiatives that benefit:
- People living in rural or isolated communities
- Marginalised or seldom-heard groups
- People experiencing loneliness or social exclusion
- Communities facing barriers to wellbeing support
- Groups disproportionately affected by inequality
Applications from organisations elsewhere in East Sussex will also be considered where proposals clearly align with the programme’s priorities and objectives.
Timeline
Applications open on 22 September 2026 and close on 6 November 2026.
Application form, guidance notes, and more information can be found in the ‘Downloads‘ section on this page below.
Supporting wellbeing where you are
Sara Candler, Strategic Commissioning Manager (Community Mental Health) at East Sussex County Council, said:
Good mental health and wellbeing looks different for everyone, and we know that reaching out for support isn’t always easy. People may not know what help is available, or may feel that traditional services aren’t right for them.
Through the UOK Community Wellbeing Grants, we want to support local groups and organisations to create welcoming opportunities for people across East Sussex to connect, build confidence and improve their wellbeing. It’s an exciting opportunity to harness the strengths within our communities and grow the network of support available to local people.
Listening to local communities
Ricky Perrin, East Sussex Lived Experience Facilitator, said:
Over the summer, I spent time meeting community groups, volunteers and local people across East Sussex, listening to their experiences of accessing mental health and wellbeing support. Those conversations highlighted the different challenges people face and the important role community support can play alongside clinical services.
That’s why I’m pleased to have been involved in developing the UOK Community Wellbeing Grants through the Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG). It has been an opportunity to bring people’s experiences into the process and help create opportunities for local groups to develop ideas that could make a real difference.
Stuart Reid, UOK East Sussex Partnership Lead, added:
Supporting wellbeing where people are is at the heart of this programme. These grants will help local organisations build on their strengths, create opportunities for people to connect and improve wellbeing in ways that work for their communities. We particularly welcome applications from smaller grassroots organisations and those working with communities facing the greatest inequalities.
