Almost £20,000 awarded to Sussex community groups supporting mental health and neurodivergent adults

Four grassroots organisations across Sussex are sharing almost £20,000 in funding to help neurodivergent adults and people experiencing mental health difficulties.

The grants have been awarded through a new partnership between Heads On, the charity of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and Sussex Community Foundation.

The funding will support community-led projects providing peer support, practical advice, workshops and creative activities designed to improve mental health, confidence and wellbeing.

The first round of grants has focused on communities experiencing higher levels of deprivation, including Brighton and Hove, Hastings and Rother, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford, and Crawley.

The partnership aims to make support more accessible, particularly for people who may face barriers to traditional healthcare services.

Four Sussex Organisations Receive Funding

The Hangleton & Knoll Project has been awarded £4,980 to provide peer support and learning workshops for people diagnosed with autism or ADHD, as well as their families.

The sessions will be developed alongside local residents and aim to reach people from diverse backgrounds, including Bengali and Arabic-speaking communities.

The Clare Project will receive £4,694 to support its group for neurodivergent trans, non-binary and intersex adults, offering opportunities to meet others, share experiences and access peer support.

Meanwhile, ADHD Aware has been awarded £5,000 towards its free support programme for adults diagnosed with ADHD or waiting for an assessment.

The programme provides regular face-to-face and online sessions where participants can share experiences, develop coping strategies and build confidence.

Compass Community Arts has also received £5,000 to support creative activities for adults experiencing social isolation, mental illness, hidden disabilities or neurodivergence.

The funding will also help the organisation strengthen its connections with other services supporting neurodivergent adults.

Supporting People Following Diagnosis

Rachael Duke, Charity Director at Heads On, said the funding would help address gaps in support for adults receiving neurodevelopmental diagnoses.

She said: “Neurodivergent people have told us that one of the most powerful things to protect their mental health is neuroaffirming support around diagnosis, but we also know that this is not routinely available.

"By working in partnership with Sussex Community Foundation we can help to ensure that adults receiving a neurodevelopmental diagnosis are able to access community led support in places and spaces that feel right for them, supporting their mental health and building confidence in their neurodivergent identity. Sussex Community Foundation’s expertise in directing funding to grassroots groups where it is needed most has been invaluable.”

Further Funding Planned for 2027

The grants form the first round of funding under a new two-year partnership between Heads On and Sussex Community Foundation.

The initiative aims to direct financial support towards smaller voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations working with people who may face additional challenges accessing healthcare.

Hannah Clay, Head of Grants and Impact at Sussex Community Foundation, welcomed the partnership.

She said: "We’re delighted to be working with Heads On to support grassroots organisations across Sussex that really understand their communities. These grants will help smaller organisations provide much-needed support for neurodivergent adults, reaching people who might otherwise struggle to find the right help."

A second round of grants is planned for 2027, providing further opportunities for grassroots organisations across Sussex to develop projects supporting mental health and wellbeing.

Get the latest ALERTS for BREAKING NEWS in the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today! 

V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.