THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR SURREY AWARDS OVER £87,000 TO DOMESTIC ABUSE CHARITIES

22nd February 2021

Local grant assists the surge in demand for support services for survivors of domestic abuse in Surrey

The Coronavirus Response Fund (CRF), established by the Community Foundation for Surrey (CFS) to get urgent funding to local charities quickly, has awarded a significant grant to Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership (SDAP), a formal partnership of four independent charities, that have come together to support survivors of domestic abuse across our county.

A total of £87,178 has been awarded – with funding from the CRF, together with the generosity of the Foundation’s local donors, and match funding from Surrey County Council. This funding will help these local charities meet the surge in demand for local domestic abuse support services as lockdown restrictions ease.

In Surrey, there are an estimated 35,400 victims of abuse. Since lockdown has lifted, the number of people calling Surrey Police for help has increased, with an 8% rise in the number of incidents being reported. On average, Surrey Police will record 28 domestic abuse crimes every day.

Michelle Blunsom MBE, Chief Executive of East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services says:

“Not only are domestic abuse services facing increased demand for services, but we are acutely aware of the way in which lockdown is impacting upon survivors and their children. The is a significant need not only to sustain services during the pandemic, but also resource them so they can deal with the physical, psychological and emotional trauma that being lockdown with an abuser will create. We are so grateful to the Community Foundation for Surrey and their partners for listening to our need and taking action at a time when this support has never been more of a lifeline.”

The Community Foundation for Surrey, which brings together local donors with those providing positive solutions to the issues facing Surrey, is working closely together with organisations across the county to identify crucial areas where the support within our community is most needed.

The Coronavirus Response Fund gives priority to voluntary organisations providing support to the most vulnerable and isolated. The Fund has two ‘phases’ of funding – with larger Phase 2 grants supporting groups now seeing a tsunami of need for their services. Since its establishment on the 26^th March, the local Fund has grown to just under £2 million thanks to the generosity of local individuals, families and Surrey partners. This funding has enabled the Foundation to effectively distribute over £1.4 million to 190 local groups in need of vital support.

A domestic abuse survivor and campaigner says:

“Leaving an abusive relationship is the hardest and bravest decision a survivor can make. Rapid access to services such as the Surrey Domestic Abuse partnership is essential to ensure our physical and emotional well-being. Survivors need support whilst living in these conditions in addition to preparing for, and leaving, if and when that is possible. The incredible generosity of the Community Foundation for Surrey through their Coronavirus Response Fund will enable the Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership to not only meet the increased demand they now face, but ensure sustained support and provision for survivors and their children.”

Other partnerships that have benefitted from the CRF Phase 2 funding are:

A group of 8 Surrey charities led by young people’s charity, Eikon have been awarded £50,000 to help deal with the expected 30% rise in referrals for children and young people’s mental health support services.

Over £58,000 was awarded to Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid to furnish and equip a new local Refuge which will provide a place of safety for up to 20 families fleeing domestic abuse.

The Community Foundation for Surrey knows that early positive action makes all the difference for many vulnerable people, and is urging Surrey residents to continue to donate to the Coronavirus Response Fund so those who feel the effects of the pandemic more severely and for longer can continue to access much needed support.

Laura Thurlow, Chief Executive of The Community Foundation for Surrey says:

“With the generosity of our community, our Coronavirus Response Fund has helped hundreds of voluntary groups quickly navigate the sudden challenges of lockdown. We have listened to the needs of our charities every step of the way, and the issues we have identified call for us to come together to meet the imminent surge in demand. This is a crisis that continues to require solutions and we’re urging Surrey residents to get involved and donate.”

To donate, please contact Laura Thurlow at the Foundation on 01483 478092, or visit: virginmoneygiving.com/fund/surreycoronavirusfund

Over £31 million in resources for Surrey!

We are delighted to share that a total of £31.6 million in resources has to date been generated in support of local communities since the Community Foundation’s inception in 2005.

Our critical role is to grow local philanthropy – bringing together local Donors with the inspirational voluntary organisations bringing hope to local people across the county.

This £31.6 million figure is benefitting community groups and individuals here in Surrey, which includes our total endowment funds, funds generated by the endowment funds and made available for grant-making, plus donations provided for immediate grant-making.

“As the Community Foundation continues to grow, so does our ongoing support to the charities and community groups making such a huge difference locally. There is now, more than ever, urgent need that we are committed to address here in Surrey. We would love to talk to anyone who may be inspired to support local grassroots communities.

It is with grateful thanks to our growing family of local philanthropic individuals, families, businesses and charitable trusts, choosing to work together with us to support Surrey, that this milestone has been accomplished.”

– Laura Thurlow, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation for Surrey

On behalf of us all at the Community Foundation for Surrey, thank you to everyone that has played their part in enabling this fantastic achievement. Together we can.

The Foundation encourages those with a desire to support Surrey to get in touch by contacting Laura Thurlow at the Community Foundation, 01483 478086.

Further information about Giving with the Community Foundation can be found at cfsurrey.org.uk/giving/

Photo Caption: The CFS team, celebrating over £31m in resources they have together planted for the benefit of local communities.

Thank you for the generous contribution from a local donor for these spider plants!

£690K MADE AVAILABLE TO ADDRESS HEALTH AND WELLBEING INEQUALITIES IN SURREY

27th January 2021

The Community Foundation for Surrey is working together with a network of local NHS charities and partners, along with the Surrey County Council Public Health team, to award vital funding to local community groups improving health and wellbeing for residents.

Independent local charity, the Community Foundation for Surrey (CFS) is working together with local partners to distribute grants to voluntary and community organisations in Surrey that are helping to support the health and wellbeing of those who have been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Community Foundation is pleased to be delivering a Surrey Health and Wellbeing programme on behalf of Surrey Heartlands NHS Charities and Surrey County Council Public Health team.

Funding of £490,000 has been made available following the NHS Charities Together Urgent COVID-19 Appeal and overseen by the six local NHS Charities, and a further £200,000 by Surrey County Council to support voluntary and community organisations in Surrey that are helping to support the health and wellbeing of those who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

One-off grants of up to £25,000 per year (in some cases two-year funding will be available) will be awarded to local non-profit organisations implementing work to help our local communities hardest hit by COVID-19, or to address health and wellbeing inequalities within Surrey.

Focus will be given to the following areas:

Poverty – Helping to improve the health and wellbeing of those living on a low income, including through access to emergency food, home supplies, practical advice and support.

Mental health – Supporting people of all ages to cope with and manage mental health issues and enabling early intervention.

Marginalised communities – Helping to improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable groups, including Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, and those who are homeless or insecurely housed.

Healthy lifestyles – Supporting people to make healthy lifestyle choices and providing opportunities for people to take ownership of their health.

Since its establishment in 2005, the Community Foundation has been bringing together local donors with those providing positive solutions to the many challenges within our communities. The Foundation works together with philanthropic individuals, families, businesses, charitable trusts and other partners to award hundreds of grants each year to Surrey community groups tackling identified local needs.

The new Surrey Health and Wellbeing programme will provide valuable support across the sector at a time of unprecedented demand, and challenges for many charities.

Kate Peters, Director of Grant-making at the Community Foundation for Surrey said:

“We are delighted to be working together with key local partners to deliver this new programme of support. The resilience of the sector at this time continues to amaze us, and this funding will make a real and lasting difference to those within our communities who need it most. We are most grateful to both partners for helping us to achieve this.”

Councillor Sinead Mooney, Cabinet Member for Adults & Health said:

“The impact COVID-19 has had on our communities has been significant, particularly on communities which may already face inequalities in health. The response to the pandemic, however, has demonstrated the contribution that communities can make in improving the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. We are delighted to partner with the Community Foundation for Surrey to support community-based projects which will improve the public’s health, enhance community cohesion and increase engagement with hard to reach communities.”

Howard Webber, Steering Group Chair, Surrey Heartlands NHS Charities

“Surrey Heartlands NHS Charities are supporting NHS patients and staff through the pandemic and beyond. We are delighted that thanks to NHS Charities Together, and to the generosity of the public, we can work with third sector organisations to help people most affected by COVID-19 in the communities we serve. This is healthcare in the broadest sense – across sectors and without barriers.”

Applying for a grant

To apply for a grant from the Surrey Health and Wellbeing programme please visit:

www.cfsurrey.org.uk/surreyhealthandwellbeingprogramme/

Please note, grants will be awarded subject to meeting the Fund Criteria – detailed information is available on the website.

Applications to be made before the deadline – 5pm Friday 19^th February 2021.

The Surrey NHS Charities funding this programme are:

Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals’ Charity

Epsom and St Helier Hospital Charity

Royal Surrey Charity

SASH Charity

South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAMB) Charitable Fund

Surrey and Borders Partnership Charitable Fund

£15 million. Together making dreams a reality

30th November 2020

The Community Foundation for Surrey distributes £15 million in grants to support local charities

The independent local charity, the Community Foundation for Surrey (CFS) has now awarded over £15 million across the county to support local people, in the last 15 years.

Since its establishment in 2005, the Foundation has been bringing together local donors with those providing positive solutions to the many challenges within our communities. This funding is often the motivation needed to transform an inspiring local initiative from a seed of an idea, into a reality.

Grants are awarded to Surrey charities and community groups tackling identified needs, including health and wellbeing, education and skills, disadvantage and exclusion, and building stronger communities. To date, the generosity of local Donors has enabled the Foundation to award over 4,200 grants to help local organisations deliver vital services to local residents. Since April alone, the Foundation has distributed over £3 million, the highest amount in a single year since the charity’s inception. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has of course contributed to these figures, due to the Foundation working pro-actively these past months in response to the growing needs of those within our communities at this critical time.

The Community Foundation is proud to provide seed funding to support local groups transform their dreams into a reality. Emerge Advocacy supports young people who are experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis. Joy Wright, Founder, has built an experienced team of staff and volunteers that are primarily based in the A&E departments at the Royal Surrey and St Peter’s hospitals in Guildford. In 2016 a £10,000 grant from the Community Foundation enabled Joy to get her vision off the ground and out into the community, providing comfort, reassurance and a lifeline to distressed young people coming through hospital doors.

Joy Wright, Founder, Emerge Advocacy said:

“Our support helps calm young people, encourages them to engage with medical professionals and reduces the rate of absconsion from A&E departments. Through giving time and compassion in conversations, we bring a sense of hope to our young people severely distressed and that are often on the verge of suicide.”

When Joy first had the idea for Emerge Advocacy in August 2016, she decided to leave her job so that she could focus on the charity. With only enough money to support her vision for the first 3 months, a Community Foundation for Surrey donor stepped in.

Joy continues:

“I’ll never forget the day I received an email stating our application had been accepted and Emerge would receive £10,000 to kick-start our initiative! I felt like I’d won the lottery! When I look back over the last four years, I am amazed by how far Emerge has come – from a seed of an idea to what we have today. Your support has really enabled us to bring this dream to life.”

The unique role of the Community Foundation is to make meaningful connections for local Donors, enabling them to support the causes which they are most passionate about. Whether donors wish to set up their own personal fund with the Foundation or give collectively to one of the many themed or area funds that address a vast range of local needs, donors can work with the team at the Community Foundation to satisfy their philanthropic motivations.

Stripey Stork, a baby-bank based in Reigate, collect donations of toys, clothes and other essential items for babies and children and, after checking they meet current UK safety standards, rehome them with local families experiencing hardship.

In 2013, the Community Foundation awarded Stripey Stork its first ever grant of £1,400 for start-up costs in setting up the baby-bank. 7 years on and the local charity have received 9 grants from the Foundation, most recently from the Surrey Coronavirus Response Fund for emergency baby supplies to continue offering support for vulnerable local families.

Stripey Stork has been able to respond to an additional 1,829 requests of help since the crisis started thanks to this vital emergency funding.

Nicola Dawes, Founder and General Manager, Stripey Stork said:

“It makes such a difference when we know the funds will be administered by CFS. We trust that you know the area, the challenges and the up to date stats. We are so grateful to the Foundation and their local donors for their continued support, but even more so for their faith in us at the very beginning – without them we would not be where we are today.”

It was only last July the Foundation celebrated reaching its £10 million grant-making achievement, highlighting how much of an exceptional year this has been for local philanthropy.

However, despite the Foundation’s focused and responsive approach to addressing local needs, local support has never been more needed. As the pandemic continues, it is increasingly difficult for groups to secure the funding they need and it is local philanthropy and organisations such as the Community Foundation for Surrey which are relied upon to ensure the voluntary sector can continue to provide vital support to local people.

Laura Thurlow, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation for Surrey said:

“We are incredibly grateful to our growing family of local philanthropic individuals, families, businesses and charitable trusts, choosing to partner with us to support Surrey. Without our valued partners, we simply could not have achieved this milestone level of giving. However, there is still much more to do. We are continuing to receive requests from local groups needing funding at this critical time. We must work together to ensure we can continue to support our vulnerable residents.”

The Foundation encourages those with a desire to help to get in touch. Any individual or business interested in supporting their community can do so by contacting Laura Thurlow at the Community Foundation for Surrey, 01483 478086.

Together we can.

Supporting our Armed Forces Community

11th November 2020

Thank you for all your ongoing support to Surrey’s communities particularly during this difficult time. As you are aware, there are many different communities within the county, and today we particularly wanted to highlight our Armed Forces community who are often hidden from sight.

Surrey has a large armed forces population and within the county there are over 42,000 veterans and ex-service men and women, 6,200 serving personnel, 250 reservists and 1,285 service children in 188 of our schools. In addition, and as part of the Armed Forces community, there are many military spouses and widows who also form part of that community. All of them might need help and support at some time.

You may have heard of the Armed Forces Covenant (https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/) . This is a promise from the Nation to help ensure that our Armed Forces are treated fairly and that they and their families are not disadvantaged as a result of their service. All Surrey’s local authorities, as well as a number of local organisations and businesses in the county, have already signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

As part of its ongoing commitment under the Covenant, Surrey County Council has been providing training to frontline staff about the needs of the Armed Forces community and the specific help and support that is available to them. This training is also available free of charge to the voluntary and community sector – If your organisation would like to access this training (which is currently online due to Covid-19), please email armedforces@surreycc.gov.uk to organise this.

As well as the help and support provided for all Surrey residents, there are also a number of Armed Forces charities and organisations that provide specific support for the wider Armed Forces community, and this support can be in addition to the support provided by statutory bodies as well as organisations such as yours. In order to make it easy for members of the Armed Forces, as well as those who have previously served and their families, to access this support, the ‘Forces Connect’ mobile app has been developed. This is free to download for both Apple and Android and can be used by members of the Armed Forces community, or those who are providing support. Please do download this app and encourage others within your organisation to do the same.

Two of the main Armed Forces service charities – SSAFA Surrey and The Royal British Legion Surrey can provide additional direct support to individuals and families of those who have served – this can include help with mobility aids, white goods, care home fees, home adaptations and financial assistance (all means tested). In the first instance, if you are working with a member of the wider Armed Forces community and they need some additional support please do contact either SSAFA Surrey (surrey.branch@ssafa.org.uk) or The Royal British Legion directly (0808 802 8080) – their full contact details are in the Forces Connect app. Alternatively, please visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/armedforces.

Finally, if you are working with anyone, whether from the Armed Forces community or not, who has been adversely affected by Covid-19 and needs some additional support, maybe around befriending or access to food or medication please visit: www.surreycc.gov.uk/coronavirus for further information and help.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Chair, Community Foundation for Surrey

Michael More-Molyneux Jim Glover OBE DL

The Truth About Poverty Webinar

6th November 2020

Hidden In Plain Sight
Webinar Series

The Truth About Poverty

Our webinar, ‘The Truth About Poverty’

was part of our Hidden in Plain Sight series, bringing together local people and sector experts to find meaningful solutions to Surrey’s prevalent, but hidden issues.

What we heard

Destitution* can affect anyone. We can at any time fall into poverty due to a series of unfortunate events.

The Goal – to close the Epsom & Ewell Foodbank, so that there is no one in our communities needing to access it.

‘Surrey Stats’ – Source, Surrey County Council

16% of households in Surrey are classified as living in Poverty compared to 21% nationally.

Research shows that family income impacts on children’s lives and development in a number of ways. Living on a low income can increase parents stress levels, in turn affecting relationships and family dynamics.

8.3% of children in the county are living in relative low-income families. There are 3 wards in Surrey that have nearly 30% of under 16’s living in relative low-income families.

9.5% of all school children in Surrey were eligible for Free School Meals in the 2019-20 academic year.

Over 6,000 people in Surrey live in the 10-20% most deprived areas nationally – mostly in Reigate and Banstead, Woking and Guildford.

Research shows that many people are seeking support for the first time, due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The number of people claiming Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance has increased by over 300% in some areas of Surrey.

East Surrey Poverty Truth Commission

brings together those with lived experience of the issue (Community Commissioners), with those in positions of influence (Business, Health and Civic Commissioners) to explore the root causes of poverty, with the object of transforming systems and cultures.

Poverty is a complex issue – “It should not be that luck is the key factor in accessing the right information and advice.” Poverty Truth Commission Report, soon to be released.

The Poverty Truth Commission (ESPTC) provides the opportunity for people to come together and build understanding of the lives of others within their communities. They work together to change the culture of organisations, giving people with lived experience a voice to share the impact that decisions from Government and other strategies have on their lives.

Epsom and Ewell Foodbank – the impact of Covid

In 2020 the foodbank has so far fed 9,801 people, compared to just over 5,000 in the whole 2019.

Over 8 months, the foodbank has seen an average 268% increase.

Trussell researcher has warned food banks with the network that they will have to give out a parcel every nine seconds this winter to meet demand.

The ESPTC are addressing poverty longer-term by contributing in a number of ways to ensure people do not return to the foodbank. They offer various levels of support – providing furniture and access to IT equipment, counselling services, meat vouchers, baby supplies, signposting services, to name a few.

It is vital we work together to ensure people do not become dependant on access to food supplies. Through supporting each other and teaching wider skillsets such as budgeting, and support with finding employment opportunities, we can give local people back their independence and a sense of optimism. These steps will go towards not needing to rely on access to food.

Penny, ESPTC Support Work Lead shares several stories of local people and families facing poverty.

Q&A

Q. If you had more funds, would having more support officers like Penny help make a difference?

A. Yes, absolutely. We would greatly benefit from whole team! We do believe it makes a huge difference.

Q. How do you see the role of Food Pantries or Social Supermarkets in the fight against poverty and the provision of wrap around support?

A. These are great ideas. Next year it is on our agenda to explore. The challenge in Surrey is the cost of a premise to deliver the work from. A social supermarket is another great idea that we would be interested in.

Q. How can we help get the learnings from the PTC out to the community and businesses of every size?

A. When we launch our PTC ‘End of Phase One’ Report, please do circulate it as wide as possible. We will be looking to develop the work so would love to be able to present the information to business and civic groups moving forward.

The Community Foundation for Surrey will be circulating this report once it is available. Please check back to this page to find it here in due course.

A recording of our webinar is available.

Click here to watch!

Thank you to our inspiring speakers

Jonathan Lees, Founder, East Surrey Poverty Truth Commission

Jonathan has worked in the faith and community sector for the last 30 years. Whilst leading the church in Surrey they were exploring about what they could do in the community, and people going hungry was raised. In July 2012, Jonathan launched the Epsom & Ewell Foodbank which has today fed thousands of people and developed its services to include support, furniture, counselling, IT, energy and many other schemes. In 2019, Jonathan launched the East Surrey Poverty Truth Commission due to huge concerns about the rising numbers of food demand. The key goal – to close Epsom & Ewell Foodbank as no one should need food support. A big challenge, but one it is felt in Surrey is achievable.

Penny Griffiths, Support Work Lead, East Surrey Poverty Truth Commission

Penny has worked for Epsom and Ewell Foodbank for two and half years, working in depth with clients and their families – helping them to access benefits, manage their money, provide advocacy and emotional support, among many other things. She helped Launch the East Surrey Poverty Truth Commission in April 2019, working with the clients who were directly affected by poverty. Prior to working for the foodbank, Penny worked as a support worker for unpaid carers and with adults with learning disabilities.

Nicola Kilvington, Director of Insight, Analytics and Intelligence, Surrey County Council

Support

Further advice and support is available.

Please visit the Surrey County Council webpage www.surreycc.gov.uk/people-and-community/emergency-planning-and-community-safety/coronavirus/need-help

or call their Community Helpline number: 0300 200 1008

Support is also available through Citizens Advice Surrey www.casurrey.org.uk/

Find out more about our Hidden in Plain Sight webinar series here!

*People are defined as destitute if they lack two or more of the absolute essentials that are needed to
live; shelter, food, heating, lighting, clothing/footwear, basic toiletries or if their income is too low to
cover the cost of these bare essentials – The State of Hunger, The Trussell Trust

The Community Foundation for Surrey is committed to supporting East Surrey Poverty Truth Commission to drive sustained change and help bring hope to the lives of local people within our county affected by poverty. Together we can.

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Deadlines for 2021 Donor Grants Announced

26th October 2020

We are pleased to announce our deadlines for the main donor grants rounds for 2021. They are:

Donor Round 1 – Jan 15th 2021 (Expression of interests to be received by 18th December 2020 please)

Donor Round 2 – April 16th 2021

Donor Round 3 – July 16th 2021

Donor Round 4 – October 18th 2021

If you wish to be considered for any of these rounds of grants we will need to have seen your Expression of Interest 2 weeks before these deadlines.

Please see our eligibility criteria before submitting an Expression of Interest. If you would like to apply please visit: https://www.cfsurrey.org.uk/applyforfunding

Human Trafficking Webinar

12th October 2020

Hidden In Plain Sight
Webinar Series

Human Trafficking

Our Human Trafficking webinar

was part of our Hidden in Plain Sight series, bringing together local people and voluntary sector experts to find meaningful solutions to Surrey’s prevalent, but hidden issues.