The last two years have been incredibly difficult for many of the Town’s groups and they have faced numerous challenges, some saw demand for their service dramatically increase, whilst others were unable to provide services in their usual way and had to adapt so they could continue offering much needed support.

A pot of £21,000 was made available to any charitable, not-for-profit club, group offering non for profit activity or organisation in Littlehampton, applicants needed to demonstrate that their group would benefit the residents of Littlehampton. Each application was considered based on merit, aims and objectives.

Speaking about the grants Chair of the Community Resources Committee, Councillor Billy Blanchard-Cooper said: “There were 30 applications this year and every single one of them will have a positive impact in our community. Applications totalled over £46,000, more than double of what the Council had available and although we could not help everyone we were able to award a total of £24,287 shared across a total of 29 organisations. One of the largest grants was awarded to The Treasure Basket Association who will use the funds to support 12 children, within Littlehampton, who are struggling with emotional health from the direct impact of the pandemic and or lockdown.”

Founder and Project Manager of The Treasure Basket Association, Felicia Lycett, said: “We are so very thankful for this generous grant that will enable our therapist to reach out and support emotionally vulnerable children, in Littlehampton. With this kind grant we will be delivering ‘Treasure Baskets’ to children. These exciting baskets are full of play and creative arts that enable children to explore what is on their mind, therapeutically. These are gifted to children at school, before each half-term and school holiday to help bridge the gap between home and school. As we understand emotional healing takes time, this project is open for the child for one year. Each child will benefit from contact with a play therapist, with this time being skilfully guided using non-directive play therapy. As a charity we are extremely passionate about finding therapeutic and playful ways to support the emotional health of children and families in our community.”

Other grants include Cruse Bereavement Care so they can continue to offer support, advice and information to everyone when someone dies, St Barnabas House Hospice for PPE required when undertaking palliative care and Littlehampton Sea Cadets.

A full list of this year’s recipients is available on the Grant Aid page.