Community groups get a boost ahead of Christmas

Mid Sussex District Council said the money would be donated from the council's Community Grants budget

Nine community groups in Sussex are set to get a boost of £33,000 each from their local council.

Mid Sussex District Council said the money would come from the council's Community Grants budget after all nine organisations met the new criteria introduced last year.

Each group had to show how their projects would meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, enhance the well-being of residents across the district, give evidence of the benefits they would bring and that they were addressing challenges like the cost-of-living crisis.

Councillor Anne-Marie Cooke said: "Each and every one of these organisations and charities does so much to benefit our local communities."

This is the second set of awards handed out by the council this financial year after more than £31,000 was given to the community in July 2024.

A further £35,000 will be awarded in early 2025.

The groups are: Chichester Diocesan Association for Family Support Work, Crawley Down Ladies Choir, Ensemble Reza, Eastern Road Nature Reserve, IMPACT Foundation, Rites for Girls, South Coast Skate Club CIC, The Ukaholics and Time 4 Children.

Ms Cooke added: "It was such a pleasure to learn about what these grants will enable them to achieve and I'm delighted that the council is able to give this money at a time when charities find it harder than ever to find funds for their vital work."