Why Creative Heart is truly the beating heart of Littlehampton - and how a slice of cake proves it
They say the easiest way to judge a tea shop is on the quality of its lemon drizzle cake. If the slice is fresh and zingy the chances are the whole establishment will be remarkably fine.
On that metric, Creative Heart scores a clean Ten. The arts cafe is a sumptuous joy bursting with home made cakes, delicious lunches, and a welcome as warm as the ‘heart’ in its name suggests.
I was invited to meet one of the founding directors Claire Jones and some of the volunteer team in my capacity as High Sheriff of West Sussex. And like the cake, this community interest company in Beach Road, Littlehampton, did not disappoint.
It has everything in its cavernous interior – community hub, room hire, sensory room … even a piano for those inclined to bring Chopin to the seaside.
But this not-for-profit arts cafe plus, plus, plus, is so much more than its facilities.
It is passionate about bringing the community together and tackling social isolation and loneliness.
Its programme of events is packed. Messy play, U3A Ukulele Club, Men’s Talk Time, Chess, Knit and Natter, Flower Crew, Bereavement Support. The list goes on and on. Just look at its Facebook page or website for proof. http://www.creativeheart.org.uk/
That sense of something special for everyone of all ages is a hallmark of the building which has been transformed by thousands upon thousands of volunteer hours of hard decorating. And all made possible by a hugely supportive landlord, according to Claire.
Chatting to volunteers and users, everyone said what a unique, special place Creative Heart is. And everything is priced to ensure that its activities are truly affordable too.
I was invited to visit as part of a tour organised by the wonderful Sussex Community Foundation. I commend everyone who supports Creative Heart and has made it the beating heart of the community that it so clearly is.
[] For 20 years, Sussex Community Foundation has connected local people, businesses and philanthropists with the small charities and community groups creating lasting change across Sussex. Through local giving, strategic grant-making and expert philanthropy advice, it seeks to make Sussex a fairer and more equal place.
[] The High Sheriff of West Sussex is an independent, non-political, and voluntary royal appointment. The office represents the Crown for matters relating to the judiciary, law, and order, while acting as a high-profile champion for local communities and voluntary services. It is entirely unpaid. Separately, Mr Shipton is the Editor At Large of SussexWorld and its sister newspapers – reflecting his involvement with the titles dating back nearly half a century.