Small charities and community groups are often where people turn first – these are the real faces and places people reach out to for connection, practical support, friendship, advice and a sense of belonging.
Behind every community project, lunch club, volunteer team, choir, garden, support group and local charity are people giving their time, skills and care to others. The real impact of this is often immeasurable but immense and profound.
This Small Charity Week, we’re celebrating these organisations and volunteers who help make our neighbours feel happier, healthier and together, therefore making Rother a stronger, kinder and more interconnected place to live.
“Small charities and community groups are among the most trusted organisations in society, providing support, connection and practical help to millions of people across the UK.” *
*Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/public-trust-in-charities-at-ten-year-high-new-research-shows
Across Rother, we see this every day through organisations** such as:
- Rother Seniors Forum, Friends Altogether in Rother, Singing Down Memory Lane and local befriending initiatives, helping people stay connected
- Warming Up the Homeless and Hub on Rye Hill, providing practical support
- Bexhill Community Bus, Robertsbridge Lunch Club and Helping Hands, creating connection and support locally
- Refugee Buddy Project, supporting people to build connections and feel welcome
- Community Compost Solutions and Rye Community Gardens, bringing people together through environmental action
**There are so many more organisations and groups whose stories are yet to be shared, and we look forward to continuing to capture and celebrate the people championing our communities
As Rother’s local infrastructure organisation, RVA is proud to champion and support the voluntary and community sector – helping organisations connect, celebrate and have their voices heard so we can continue making a difference to the communities that matter to all of us.
Throughout the year, we’ll continue sharing stories through #TheHeartOfTheCommunity, celebrating the people, volunteers and organisations whose everyday actions strengthen our communities.
We’d love to hear your stories — tell us about a group, organisation or volunteer who has made a difference to you.