Lottery windfall means spreading more sunshine

Members of Arun Sunshine Group are beaming after receiving a big boost for their activities.
Arun Sunshine Group chairman Terrence Elderfield, middle right, and members receiving the Lottery cheque for £8,425Arun Sunshine Group chairman Terrence Elderfield, middle right, and members receiving the Lottery cheque for £8,425
Arun Sunshine Group chairman Terrence Elderfield, middle right, and members receiving the Lottery cheque for £8,425

The Littlehampton-based group, which provides social activities for adults with learning difficulties, has secured £8,425 in Lottery funding to purchase new IT equipment and update its website.

The application was made with the help of Fit Well and Connected, a new organisation designed to support the voluntary sector.

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Project leader Derek Moore said: “The Lottery grant will benefit our members by providing them with the use of IT equipment, including tablets, touchscreens and software suitable for their needs, to develop their IT skills and for the organisation to develop their current website and activities.”

The group, which meets at Dove Lodge, Beach Road, covers the whole Arun district and beyond, with some members coming from Worthing.

Twice-monthly meetings provide a range of activities for members, including arts and crafts, puzzles and flower arranging at the base and trips out for bowling, pub lunches and to the zoo.

Mr Moore added: “Just as importantly, the meetings give an opportunity for the members’ carers to have a little respite, and time to themselves.

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“We are a very friendly group and help to overcome the social exclusion our members could otherwise face. Carers are also appreciative of the opportunity for the person they look after to enjoy themselves.”

There is a board of trustees, currently chaired by Terrence Elderfield, and the group could not run without volunteer helpers, of which there are up to five at any one time.

There are four vacancies for new members at the moment and new volunteers are always welcome.

The group is open to adults with a learning difficulty aged 18 and over, who are invited to contribute £3 per session and an annual membership fee of £15.

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Any groups, individuals or businesses which would like to fund activities should contact Derek,telephone 01903 714930 or email [email protected] for more information.

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