How the Lewes Fund works for Lewes

Richard Pearson describes the work of the Lewes Fund and how LTP members can benefit

While many parts of Lewes and the neighbouring villages are prospering, there are areas of significant deprivation and individuals in need. Requests for help via the Citizens Advice Bureau from those in need are at record levels. We are fortunate that there are over 100 local community groups and charities who, along with their volunteers, help meet these local needs.

The Lewes Fund www.lewesfund.org.uk was established in 2012 to help facilitate charitable giving and to act as a fund raiser for these local groups. The Fund draws on the knowledge and support of the local community, working together to help reduce disadvantage and build a stronger, sustainable community for the future.

The generosity of over 50 local contributors has already enabled us to give out over £25,000 in grants to 20 local community groups, and invest £150,000 in our Endowment Fund which is managed by Sussex Community Foundation. The income from this fund will enable grants to be made in future years.

The next grant round opens on 15 July and we welcome applications from local community groups and charities. Applications for grants, preferably up to the value of £1,000 should be made via our websitewww.lewesfund.org.uk. The application window is open until mid September.

For more information please email Richard Pearson atlewesfund@sky.com

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Lewes WEA programme is launched

The Lewes WEA branch is one of the largest and most successful in the South East. We have launched the programme of courses for next year, starting in September. The 2016-17  programme includes courses on, local history, ethics and public policy,  current affairs, drama, and several courses on art history-from the Renaissance through to the 20th century.

If you haven’t enrolled on a WEA course before, you may like to attend one of our day schools- which include sessions on Caravaggio and on the modernist painter Paul Nash.

Enrolment has already started, and you can pick up a leaflet from the Lewes  tourist information centre or from the  library.

Fee concessions are available for those on income related benefits.

You can view the full programme on the WEA branch website.

Lifelong learning survey

The Lewes Town Partnership, in consultation with 3VA, would like to seek the views of members and community and voluntary groups’ training needs and to assess whether a Lewes Town Partnership Network would be of interest. The network meetings, three per year, would provide strategic updates from the Town Council; profiles on particular organisations; training updates on key employment issues, changes in legislation and other areas to support groups.

We value your views. It will only take a few minutes to complete our short survey.

Go to https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ZLX3FPD