Claire’s Friendship Project Fund: Building Connections and Tackling Loneliness Across Tandridge
A community is strongest when no one feels alone. Since its launch in 2023, Claire’s Friendship Project Fund has been helping local organisations across Tandridge to bring people together, tackle social isolation and create meaningful connections for residents of all ages.
Established by Claire Coutinho MP and managed through the Community Foundation for Surrey, the fund supports charities, community groups and voluntary organisations working to reduce loneliness and strengthen community bonds. Grants are available for projects that encourage friendship, social interaction and wellbeing, helping local groups deliver everything from coffee mornings and community outings to befriending services, social clubs and wellbeing activities.
Making a Real Difference
Age UK Surrey
Tea and Chat Sessions in Oxted and Lingfield
In just three years, Claire’s Friendship Project Fund has awarded more than £16,000 in grants, supporting projects that have benefited over 4,300 local people.
The fund has provided vital support to a wide range of organisations, including Age UK Surrey, East Surrey Rural Transport Partnership, Smallfield Practice Health Champions, Tatsfield Not So Young Club, Caterham & District U3A and Westway Community & Wellbeing Centre.
A grant to the East Surrey Rural Transport Partnership helped re-establish a door-to-door transport service for older residents facing mobility or financial challenges. The service enabled participants to attend weekly community hubs and enjoy group outings, helping people reconnect with their communities and regain confidence. One family member described the transformation in their relative, saying: “It’s given her a new outlook on life.”
Meanwhile, Age UK Surrey’s Tea and Chat sessions provided a vital social lifeline for older residents in Oxted and Lingfield. Supported by a grant from the fund, the project recorded 336 attendances and directly benefited 32 older adults, many of whom face mobility challenges or live alone. As one participant commented: “We really value the opportunity to stay connected with the community.”
Other funded projects have included weekly coffee mornings, community outings, gardening clubs, social events and local hubs designed to create welcoming spaces where friendships can flourish.
“The strength of our relationships sits at the heart of what makes us happy and well. Thanks to generous donations, The Friendship Project has supported many brilliant local groups working tirelessly to tackle loneliness in East Surrey. The project has already distributed over £16,000 - funding everything from trips to the seaside, the renovation of community spaces and supplying the all-important cakes for coffee mornings.”
How to Apply
Claire’s Friendship Project Fund welcomes applications from charities, community groups and voluntary organisations that are working to reduce loneliness and social isolation in Tandridge.
Funding can support both new and existing projects and may contribute towards running costs, equipment, activities, transport, facilities or small-scale capital expenses that help bring people together.
For small grants of up to £2,000 or less please contact our grants team. Larger applications can be made through our Main Grants Programme. Applications are assessed on their potential to create lasting community connections and improve the wellbeing of local residents.
Further information can also be found on our website at Claire's Friendship Project Fund.
Help Create More Connections
While the fund has already changed hundreds of lives, the need remains significant. Across Surrey, many people continue to experience loneliness, whether because of age, ill health, disability, caring responsibilities or changing life circumstances.
Every donation to Claire’s Friendship Project Fund helps local organisations deliver activities that create friendship, belonging and hope. A gift of any size can help fund transport for an isolated older person, support a community coffee morning, provide social activities or enable a local group to reach more people who need connection and companionship.
By supporting Claire’s Friendship Project Fund, donors are investing directly in local communities and helping ensure that nobody has to face loneliness alone. Together, we can continue building stronger, more connected communities where everyone has the opportunity to belong. For more information or to make a donation, visit the donation page.