Four grassroots organisations across Sussex are sharing almost £20,000 to support neurodivergent adults and people struggling with their mental health.
The grants have been awarded through a new partnership between Heads On, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s charity and Sussex Community Foundation. The first round of funding focused on supporting projects in communities experiencing higher levels of deprivation, including Brighton and Hove, Hastings and Rother, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford, and Crawley.
Rachael Duke, Charity Director at Heads On, said: “Neurodivergent people have told us that one of the most powerful things to protect their mental health is neuro-affirming support around diagnosis, but we also know that this is not routinely available.
"By working in partnership with Sussex Community Foundation we can help to ensure that adults receiving a neurodevelopmental diagnosis are able to access community led support in places and spaces that feel right for them, supporting their mental health and building confidence in their neurodivergent identity. Sussex Community Foundation’s expertise in directing funding to grassroots groups where it is needed most has been invaluable.”
Among those benefiting is Hangleton & Knoll Project, which has received £4,980 to run peer support and learning workshops for people diagnosed with autism or ADHD and their families. The workshops will be shaped with local people and will work to reach diverse communities, including Bengali and Arabic-speaking communities.
The Clare Project has been granted £4,694 towards their support group for neurodivergent trans, non-binary and intersex adults, providing a safe space to meet others and access peer support.
ADHD Aware has received £5,000 towards its free peer support programme for adults with ADHD or waiting for an assessment. The programme offers regular in-person and online sessions where people can share experiences, develop coping strategies and build confidence.
Compass Community Arts has £5,000 to support its creative programme for adults experiencing social isolation, mental illness, hidden disabilities or neurodivergence. The funding will also help strengthen links with organisations supporting neurodivergent adults.
Hannah Clay, Heads of Grants and Impact for Sussex Community Foundation, said: "We’re delighted to be working with Heads On to support grassroots organisations across Sussex that really understand their communities. These grants will help smaller organisations provide much-needed support for neurodivergent adults, reaching people who might otherwise struggle to find the right help."
The grants are the first to be awarded through the new two-year partnership, which aims to put funding directly into smaller VCSE organisations that are working with communities who can face additional barriers to accessing healthcare.
A second grants round is planned for 2027, creating further opportunities for grassroots organisations supporting people's mental health across Sussex.
