Six community grants awarded to help Hassocks groups make a difference

Hassocks Parish Council has awarded £3,300 in community grants to six local groups whose work will help residents, support volunteers and enhance our village’s social capital.

At their September meeting, councillors considered applications for the latest round of local grant funding. We were pleased to support a wide range of projects, each showing something special about Hassocks: people giving their time, sharing skills, looking after one another and creating opportunities for others to get involved.

The grants include support for the Hassocks community veg patch, helping volunteers buy soil, wood chipping, improve the water system and continue developing the welcoming garden behind Age Concern. The project gives residents a place to grow food, swap seeds and plants, welcome school visits and enjoy a peaceful green space in the heart of the village.

Citizens Advice in West Sussex will receive funding to strengthen local partnerships and advice pathways for people facing issues such as welfare, debt and housing. Age Concern Hassocks and District will use its grant to introduce indoor curling, an accessible ice-free version which can be played sitting or standing, giving older residents another enjoyable way to meet others and stay active.

Sussex Vale Rotary’s Mid Sussex Memory Café will receive funding towards seaside trips with a fish and chip supper for people living with dementia, their carers and volunteers. Greener Hassocks & Ditchling will be supported to run three community events: Hassocks Rides, a short fun bike ride for children and all ages; Hassocks Rambles, an evening of local walks; and Hassocks Raps, a community conversation about ideas for the future of Hassocks and how we can adapt to a changing climate.

The Council has also awarded a grant to Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex, helping contribute to the operating costs of its Helicopter Emergency Medical Service. The service brings doctors, critical-care paramedics and A&E resources directly to people in a medical emergency, including in communities like ours.

2026/27 Community grants scheme

Since February 2022, Hassocks Parish Council has awarded 50 grants, totalling £26,629, to 31 different organisations. Every award is a chance to celebrate the groups, volunteers and charities who make Hassocks kinder, greener, more active and more connected.

The community grants scheme supports voluntary and charitable organisations that provide services of direct benefit to Hassocks residents in line with the priorities of the 2024-29 Business Plan. Councillors are particularly interested in projects that benefit the local community, promote involvement in community life, bring people together, reduce inequalities, support disabled residents, engage young people in positive activities or support the needs of older residents.

Applications for 2026/27 grants will next be considered at Full Council meetings in February 2027. Applications must be submitted by 31 January 2027.

Find out more about community grants and apply.