NATIONAL LOTTERY GRANT

Chichester Harbour Rotary Club Awarded National Lottery Community Fund Grant

The Rotary Club of Chichester Harbour has been awarded a grant of £20,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK.

The grant is being used to support the Club’s ECHO (Enabling Communities through Help and Opportunities) project.

The ECHO project provides donated gently used warm clothing, new underwear and socks, and shoes for all ages and genders, as well as bedding, towels, furniture, household equipment and white goods.

The project receives referrals, from professionals, such as social workers and charities, for families and individuals with high-level needs, including people affected by poverty or cost-of-living pressures, domestic violence or fleeing war and persecution. Partner agencies specify the need to be met and the Club normally provides goods within 3 days.

The President of Chichester Harbour Rotary Club, Barbara Spearman, said “We are grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund for this grant. It will enable us to make a difference to the wellbeing of many vulnerable local people."

Therese Brook, the ECHO Project lead, said “Referrals for our services have increased markedly in the last few years. Many people are affected by cost-of-living financial pressures and face difficult decisions – if you struggle to meet food and energy costs, you cannot afford basic clothing and other essential items. We are doing our best to support eligible people referred to the ECHO project.”