The Community Foundation for Surrey (CFSurrey) is thrilled to announce 6 new grants through the Surrey Supported Employment Fund. The Surrey Supported Employment Fund (SSE) supports people with disabilities or mental ill health to overcome barriers to work, contributing towards the social and economic well-being of our area. Grants are awarded to organisations, charities, and not-for-profits across Surrey. These grants enable the partner organisations to have ring-fenced funds to make quick, high-impact awards to the people they are supporting through their projects.
Our SSE Fund-holders are able to respond to the bespoke needs of their clients who may have barriers to employment. Funding can be used to provide individuals with crucial resources such as training, transportation, workwear, and personalised support, empowering people to gain meaningful employment and achieve financial stability.
The recent partner organisations of the Surrey Supported Employment Fund are listed below:
The Hope Hub is dedicated to supporting individuals in Surrey Heath and surrounding areas, particularly those facing mental health challenges and disabilities. With the grant, they plan to offer training courses, transportation assistance, and essential workwear to remove barriers to employment for their service users. By addressing these needs, The Hope Hub aims to increase employability, job placements, and overall well-being among participants.
Patchworking Garden will use the grant to provide rapid access to funds for supported volunteers and students facing financial difficulties. This will enable them to continue their participation in the garden’s programs, which include training, volunteering, and employment opportunities, despite their challenges.
The Lighthouse is known for its holistic approach to support; they partner with organisations like Halow and LinkAble to help individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and other employability challenges. The grant will help The Lighthouse to work with individuals across a range of support methods to ensure they’re in the best position to receive support with employability – either through The Lighthouse, or another suitable organisation.
Catalyst Support is dedicated to helping vulnerable individuals across Surrey by offering a range of services that include practical support and emotional care. With the Surrey Supported Employment Fund grant, Catalyst Support will provide essential items like transportation passes, workwear, and technology, enabling service users to access employment, education, and training opportunities. This personalised assistance aims to empower individuals to overcome barriers, improving their chances of securing stable jobs and enhancing their overall well-being.
Active Prospects has over 35 years of experience supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism, and other needs in Surrey. The grant will bolster their Aspiring Prospects programme, which provides young people with the skills and confidence needed to transition into the workforce. By offering tailored training, volunteer opportunities, and work placements, Active Prospects ensures that each participant is equipped to achieve their employment goals and contribute positively to the community.
YMCA East Surrey focuses on supporting young people, particularly those who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), through their Step Forward programme. With the support of the Surrey Supported Employment Fund, YMCA East Surrey will continue to offer one-on-one sessions, group activities, and therapeutic services to help young people with mental health challenges and disabilities develop the skills they need to find meaningful employment. This holistic approach aims to improve both the employability and emotional well-being of participants, helping them to build a brighter future.
The Surrey Supported Employment Fund is also proud to have awarded further funding to our previous partner organisations; Oakleaf Enterprise, Surrey Choices Employability, and the Surrey Young People’s Fund. Surrey Supported Employment has been working with these organisations to distribute funding to individuals since 2019.
The Surrey Supported Employment Fund is a testament to CFSurrey’s commitment to fostering inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through these grants, local organisations can continue their vital work, helping individuals achieve their employment goals and contribute meaningfully to society.
