Crisis & Essential Support in Brighton & East Sussex

Addresses food insecurity by coordinating food distribution and supporting local food initiatives, including community cafés and pantries. Focuses on ensuring access to nutritious food and resources for vulnerable individuals and families affected by food poverty.

Adur Community Cafe Community Interest Company operates a not-for-profit community cafe in Shoreham-By-Sea, offering a "pay what you can" model to provide accessible meals to local residents. The cafe serves as a supportive space for individuals and families in need, fostering community connections and promoting inclusivity.

Provides essential support services through The Gateway Hub, including a community shop and free activities such as messy play, arts and crafts, and social gatherings. They focus on assisting local residents who are facing challenges like food insecurity, fuel poverty, and health and well-being issues. The organization fosters a welcoming environment for individuals and families in need, encouraging community engagement and volunteer participation. Their unique approach emphasizes neighborly support without barriers, ensuring everyone can access the help they require.

Provides high-quality supported accommodation and Intensive Housing Management for individuals facing housing insecurity due to disability, trauma, and mental ill health. They offer life-changing accommodation solutions and work closely with care providers and mental health professionals to empower vulnerable communities. Operating across Sussex, their approach is person-centred and trauma-informed, ensuring that tenants receive the support they need to maintain safe housing and achieve long-term well-being.

Provides an affordable food scheme in Brighton & Hove, allowing local communities to access quality food at reduced prices through a membership model. This initiative primarily supports individuals and families facing food insecurity while also promoting sustainability by reducing food waste. BrightStore fosters a resilient community by engaging its members in decision-making and operations, ensuring that the services are tailored to their needs. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of local sourcing and environmental responsibility in their food distribution efforts.

Provides support and free advice for individuals and families struggling to manage their daily lives. The services include a subsidised food and pet supplies pantry, a uniform centre for children in need, and a free café area aimed at reducing isolation. They offer various support services such as employment support, wellbeing sessions, and access to Citizens Advice, helping local residents navigate financial difficulties. Operating in Worthing, the hub fosters community engagement and provides essential resources to those in need.

Focused on alleviating food insecurity, the organization redistributed surplus food to vulnerable individuals and families in Brighton. They supported emergency food providers through various initiatives, including the Tap & Share program, the Table Card Campaign, and the Voucher Program. These efforts aimed to strengthen grassroots networks and foster community resilience. Although now closed, their impactful work and partnerships have contributed significantly to the local community.

Offers free online one-to-one English conversation tutoring and cultural education for refugees and asylum seekers. The organization provides mental health support, digital access, and inclusion initiatives, aiming to empower forcibly displaced individuals to thrive in the UK. By fostering cross-cultural conversations, they help bridge gaps between communities and promote understanding. Their services are designed to support individuals fleeing war and persecution, ensuring they have equal opportunities in their new lives.

Provides a children's home and supported accommodation services in Brighton, focusing on children and young people who have experienced trauma and adversity. Their approach is trauma-informed, emphasizing safety and empowerment through supportive relationships and personalized care. The dedicated team works collaboratively with young people to foster independence, confidence, and personal growth. They offer various programs designed to meet the unique needs of each child, ensuring they have the necessary support to thrive.

Provides healthcare services specifically designed for individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Brighton and Hove. The CIC operates the Arch Health service at the School Clinic on Morley Street, offering GP registration, same-day appointments, and online consultations. Their focus is on ensuring accessible and compassionate care for marginalized groups, including those who are rough sleeping or in temporary accommodation. The organization has a history of addressing the health needs of vulnerable populations since its establishment in 1998.

Enhances access to healthy food and promotes food security in Eastbourne through collaboration with local organizations. The CIC supports food banks, community fridges, and food-growing initiatives, focusing on improving the health and wellbeing of residents. They engage in various programs aimed at fostering a vibrant local food economy and addressing food-related challenges in the community. Their approach emphasizes partnerships and community involvement to create sustainable food solutions.

Operates Community Fridges in Littlehampton, Horsham, Henfield, Steyning, and surrounding areas to reduce food waste and promote healthier eating. The initiative allows individuals and families to access free, nutritious food on a trust basis, without means testing. They collect surplus food from supermarkets, local businesses, and community members, fostering a spirit of sharing and mutual support. Their efforts have saved significant amounts of food and reduced carbon emissions, contributing positively to the local community.

Provides financial support through small grants funded by public donations to assist individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty in Eastbourne. The initiative focuses on addressing street homelessness by directing funds to local charities and organizations that offer essential frontline services. Their approach follows a positive giving model, encouraging donations that help individuals transition away from rough sleeping. Fresh Start Eastbourne aims to create sustainable solutions for vulnerable populations in the community.

Provides personalized support and services to local good causes and community projects in the Havens area, including Saltdean and Seaford. Their activities include children's holiday sessions, food co-ops, and community meal projects, all aimed at enhancing community well-being. They empower individuals and groups to create sustainable solutions that address established community needs. By connecting local causes and individuals, they foster stronger, healthier communities through collaboration and support.

Provides emergency food support to families and individuals, helping them access healthy food options while promoting cooking and reducing food waste.

Focuses on community-led regeneration by helping councils and communities develop affordable homes on underused publicly owned land across the UK. They offer support in obtaining planning permissions, funding, and building designs to create sustainable housing solutions. Their services are targeted towards individuals and families in need of affordable housing, ensuring that these homes are accessible and energy-efficient. Little Ships aims to make better use of urban spaces, such as car parks and rooftops, to provide secure living environments for those who live, work, or study in the area.

Provides supported living services, outreach support, and personal assistant services aimed at empowering individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs. The organization focuses on creating person-centered partnerships that enhance independence and improve quality of life for vulnerable adults in Eastbourne and the surrounding areas. Utilizing innovative care standards and a unique approach called Empathy-Based Positive Behavioural Stress Support (EB-PBSS), they ensure that the people they support are at the center of their care plans, with access to personalized resources and support networks.

Provides essential support and empowerment for local residents in Eastbourne through various community-focused initiatives. Key programs include the Flourish & Thrive sessions for female survivors of domestic abuse, a weekly World Food Community kitchen, and Free Friday takeaways. They also operate a Ukrainian Support Hub to assist Ukrainian refugees and their hosts, fostering cultural exchange and community connection. Their initiatives aim to uplift vulnerable groups and promote well-being within the community.

Provides free food and pre-loved clothing to local residents in Hailsham, particularly supporting individuals and families facing financial difficulties. The community hub also focuses on reducing waste by promoting environmentally-friendly practices through the reuse and recycling of goods. Over the past year, they have collected significant amounts of food that would otherwise go to waste, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. Their welcoming environment encourages community involvement and support for those in need.

Offers a range of services aimed at improving food security and promoting healthy eating within the Brighton community. They provide low-cost food options, including affordable food bags, and run educational programs to help individuals learn to cook and grow their own food. The initiative specifically supports residents of the Phoenix estate, Hanover, and Tarner, focusing on alleviating food insecurity among families and individuals in need. Their community-driven approach fosters local engagement and sustainability, helping to build a resilient food network.

Encourages sustainable gardening and vegetable growing while actively reducing food waste through the gathering and donation of surplus food to local community fridges. They provided 3.75 tonnes of cost-free food in 2023-24, primarily serving individuals and families in need within the Polegate area. Rooted Community Food fosters a supportive community by organizing regular growing sessions and events, engaging volunteers, and promoting local business sponsorship to enhance their impact. Their unique approach combines community involvement with sustainability efforts to create a local food network.

Shell Shock Media CIC focuses on supporting veterans' mental health through education and stigma reduction initiatives. They provide resources and programs aimed at helping veterans and their families navigate mental health challenges.

Offers an online marketplace for buying, selling, or donating second-hand school uniforms in Brighton & Hove. This initiative aims to make school uniforms affordable and sustainable, helping families save money while promoting environmental responsibility. They facilitate the exchange of pre-loved uniforms, making it easier for parents to find affordable options for their children. Additionally, Smarter Uniforms supports local schools through fundraising initiatives, enhancing community engagement.

Supports homeless military veterans and emergency services personnel by providing secure mailboxes that enable access to vital services and resources. This initiative helps individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Provides a multi-award-winning preloved baby clothing rental service, allowing parents to access sustainable and stylish wardrobes for their children at an affordable price. The service helps families reduce textile waste and save money by promoting the rental and recycling of baby clothes. Operating in the UK, SuperLooper specifically supports parents with young children, offering a unique solution to the challenges of rapidly growing kids' wardrobes. Their approach fosters a community feel, encouraging parents to join the sharing economy and make environmentally conscious choices.

Transforms surplus food from local farms into nutritious meals and long-life products, actively reducing food waste. They operate a weekly community café in East Brighton, provide catering services, and organize gleaning days to collect unsellable produce. Their initiatives primarily support families and individuals in need, while also creating paid entry-level job opportunities for young people facing barriers to employment. Sussex Surplus is committed to fostering social value and sustainability within the community.

Provides food, toiletries, and essential items to low-income LGBTQ+ individuals and their dependents in the Brighton and Hove area. The initiative focuses on creating a welcoming and affirming community space where beneficiaries can access necessary resources. In addition to food assistance, they gather information on dietary and access needs to better support their clients. The Village Food Bank is committed to serving the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food and essential items.

Uckfield Community Fridge CIC operates a community fridge initiative that redistributes surplus food to combat waste and provide meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity in the Lewes area. Their services primarily support those in need within the local community, ensuring access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations.

Provides access to fresh food through initiatives like veg box deliveries and community fridges, while also offering hands-on growing workshops. Focuses on promoting food sustainability and community engagement for residents in Moulsecoomb, Bevendean, and Bates Estate.

Provides innovative football and education-based projects aimed at supporting marginalised and disenfranchised individuals in Brighton. Their initiatives focus on improving mental health, nutrition, and employment opportunities for underprivileged groups, fostering personal development and community cohesion through the universal language of football. VYD runs specific programmes for youth development, refugees, and asylum seekers, ensuring that those who face socio-economic challenges have access to valuable resources and support. They operate primarily in areas like Whitehawk, Moulsecoomb, and Hangleton and Knoll.

Woodingdean Food CIC operates the Woodingdean Foodbank and Food Hub in Brighton, providing free and subsidised food supplies to individuals and families facing financial difficulties. Their services, including a referral-only foodbank, aim to support those on lower incomes by offering essential food staples and signposting to additional resources.

Alder Community Housing CIC is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing solutions in Brighton & Hove, focusing on creating inclusive communities. They aim to support individuals and families facing housing challenges, ensuring access to safe and sustainable living options.

Baby Bank & Beyond (South Wealden) CIC provides essential baby and children's items to families in need across Heathfield, Hailsham, Polegate, Eastbourne, and Lewes. The organization supports low-income families and those facing challenging circumstances by offering clothing, equipment, and other resources to ensure that every child has a safe and nurturing environment.

Bake a Difference Sussex CIC encourages community members to bake and donate homemade goods at various hubs across Brighton and Hove, fostering a spirit of generosity and support. The initiative primarily benefits local charities and individuals in need, promoting social cohesion and community engagement.

Brighton Cauldron CIC operates as a food hub in Peacehaven, focusing on providing essential food support to BAME communities. Their services include distributing food and resources to those in need, fostering inclusivity and addressing food insecurity.

Brighton Warm Roof Project CIC specializes in providing energy-efficient roofing solutions to improve the living conditions of vulnerable residents in Brighton. Their services primarily benefit low-income households and those facing fuel poverty, helping to reduce energy costs and enhance home comfort.

Charter Recovery Housing CIC provides supportive recovery housing aimed at helping individuals overcome homelessness and addiction, fostering independent living. Their services are specifically designed for those facing challenges related to mental health, substance abuse, and learning difficulties.

Civvie Box CIC is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families by providing essential resources, training, and community engagement opportunities. Through various programs and initiatives, they aim to enhance the well-being and integration of those who have served in the armed forces.

Cultivating Refuge C.I.C. is dedicated to promoting urban agriculture and gardening initiatives that enhance mental health and social cohesion among displaced individuals and refugee communities. By providing creative consultations and support for urban gardening projects, the organization aims to empower refugees and improve their living conditions through sustainable practices.

East Brighton Food CIC is dedicated to providing prepared meals, focusing on both meat and fish dishes, to support the local community in Hassocks and surrounding areas. The organization aims to enhance food accessibility and promote healthy eating among residents, particularly those in need.