Extra grant funding for Age UK in Mid Sussex

At a meeting of cabinet on Monday (February 8), members agreed to extend Age UK East Grinstead’s annual grant of £18,269 and Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove’s annual grant of £54,807 until March 2022.

Councillor Norman Webster, cabinet member for community, said: “Mid Sussex District Council has a long history of working closely with local voluntary groups.

“The strong relationships we have built over the years have been vital during this pandemic and it has been wonderful to see local Councils, support agencies and communities all mobilising to take care of the most vulnerable during this extremely difficult time.

“Age UK does a fantastic job of protecting older members of our community, working to ensure they are healthy, socially active, and that they are safe and comfortable in their homes. They have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, as we all have, and it has never been more important to show them our support.

“Our latest grant funding commitment will help Age UK to continue the excellent work they do to tackle social isolation, encourage independent living and combat loneliness.”

The coronavirus pandemic has been an extremely challenging time for the voluntary sector and Age UK has played a key role in the community support response to ensure no-one was left behind, the district council said.

With strong community links, Age UK was able to work alongside voluntary sector partners to identify those most in need and ensure they received support in a timely and efficient manner, it added.

The Age UK grant funding extensions bring them into line with the other social sector support organisations that receive annual funding.

Mid Sussex District Council now has Partnership Agreements in place with the following social sector organisations:

Age UK East Grinstead

Age UK West Sussex

Mid Sussex Voluntary Action

Action in Rural Sussex

Citizens Advice

For more information about voluntary sector grant funding visit the district council community and funding page at www.midsussex.gov.uk/licensing- business/grants-and-funding.