Peacehaven volunteer recognised as Sussex’s Local Hero

Churchill Living has recognised the inspiring contribution of over 60s in Sussex as part of its Local Hero Awards 2026, with Sue Taylor-Hill named the county’s Local Hero.

 Sue, 65, received the award in recognition of her longstanding dedication to Kempton House Day Centre in Peacehaven, where she volunteered from 2011 until her retirement in August 2025.

 Kempton House has been supporting local people for more than 60 years, helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation. Through home-cooked lunches, social activities and companionship, the centre offers older people a welcoming place to come together, make friends and feel part of their community.

 Throughout her time at the centre, Sue played a vital role in helping this service continue. As both a trustee and treasurer, she took on significant responsibility for its running and financial sustainability, while also organising events, supporting visitors and bringing people together.

 For many people, Kempton House provides far more than a place to spend the day. It offers a sense of belonging, friendship and connection, helping older people stay involved in their local community.

 Sue’s dedication was particularly evident during the Covid pandemic, when she helped deliver meals to people in the community, ensuring that support and human connection continued when bringing people together in person was difficult.

 One of Sue’s most remarkable achievements was raising more than £100,000 during the pandemic to help keep the centre going. Her generosity and determination helped protect a service that means so much to the people who rely on it.

 More recently, Sue has been helping to establish a new local charity called the Rise & Thrive Youth Development Foundation, with the aim of empowering young people to build confidence, develop practical life and workplace skills, and learn responsibility through meaningful community projects.

 As Sussex’s Local Hero, Sue has received £1,000 for Kempton House Day Centre from the Churchill Foundation – the charity arm of Churchill Living – to support the charity to continue their incredible work in the local community.

 Sue said: “I’m delighted to be recognised as a Local Hero by Churchill Living. Kempton House Day Centre has been such an important part of my life, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the years. It has always been about so much more than providing a meal, it’s about friendship, companionship and giving people a place where they feel welcome and part of the community. I hope the donation from the Churchill Foundation will help the centre continue its fantastic work supporting local people for many years to come.”

 The awards highlight the valuable contribution older people continue to make through volunteering, fundraising, mentoring and supporting those around them. According to the State of UK Volunteer Management Report 2026, 50% of organisations say their volunteer bases are mostly made up of people aged 61 to 79.

 Spencer J McCarthy, Chairman and CEO of Churchill Living, said: “Our Local Hero Awards were created to highlight the incredible contribution older people are making in communities across the country. Sue is a wonderful example of the lasting difference one person can make in their community. Her years of commitment to Kempton House Day Centre, including the extraordinary effort she made to raise funds during the Covid pandemic, have helped sustain a service that offers older people friendship, support and a sense of belonging. We hope the donation from the Churchill Foundation will help Kempton House continue its valuable work.”