East Brighton Trust recently commissioned Charlotte Hastings of Therapy Kitchen to run a series of cookery workshops in Whitehawk, Moulsecoomb and a final outdoor session on Whitehawk Hill, all using a brilliantly innovative product called the ‘Wonderbag’. 

What is a Wonderbag exactly? 

Well, a Wonderbag is a non-electric slow cooker that uses heat-retention technology to continue cooking food once your pan has been removed from the heat source. Founded by Sarah Collins in 2008, it was developed as a solution to the South African energy shortage forcing blackouts across the country - with the aim of allowing families to continue cooking daily meals even with the absence of power. Now it’s enjoyed by people worldwide. 

Understanding the struggles that many families are facing when it comes to rising energy bills and limited budgets, East Brighton Trust wanted to introduce local people to the benefits of the Wonderbag, under the guidance of Charlotte who is a wonderful Brighton-based cook and teacher. 

To cook with a Wonderbag you simply bring the food to boil in a cast-iron pot on a normal stove, let it simmer, and then gently wrap the pot in the Wonderbag, allowing the food to cook for up to eight hours. Not only do households benefit from reduced energy bills - with no additional electricity or gas being used, but the Wonderbag also gives families back time, slowly cooking the ingredients to perfection, without any intervention needed. 

“The Wonderbag is a great idea for busy families like me. A prime example was parents' evening. I cooked the dinner before we had to go to school then it was perfect to eat once we got back.”

During the workshop participants were able to embrace the joys of slow cooking and the potential of simple ingredients to deliver delicious, nutritious food for all the family. And they learned that by allowing meals to cook slowly and gently, you’re able to unlock incredible depths of flavour. 

Charlotte had this to say: 

“Food cooked in a cast iron pot, that is then held in the Wonderbag, tastes of trust.

These ancient ways of cooking remind us that we are ancestors of survivors, and the workshops themselves connect us with our community. You put all your ingredients into the pot, sealing in their flavour, enjoying putting it all together. Then, instead of asking it to hurry up, prodding it into shape, you remember that onions, carrots and the like have known each other for quite some time, they know what they’re doing once you set them up for action! So, wrapping it all away in the Wonderbag and coming back to a steaming ready meal, gives one the sense of being looked after by Nature’s capable, wise hands.

As someone who always rushes and interferes, this way of cooking tasted quite deliciously different, being ready ahead rather than behind time is truly wonderful!” 

It was a real joy to bring members of the East Brighton community together to cook for a day, and everyone seemed to enjoy the experience. 

“Doing the Wonderbag workshop was brilliant, A lot of us low-income families don’t get to try or work with ingredients we don't think we can afford - especially fresh ingredients… Learning to cook using something that doesn’t use energy and that many people hadn’t heard of was fun.”

Participants were able to take home a La Creuset pot and Wonderbag from the workshop, enabling them to enjoy the benefits at home. 

“I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. I found it interesting how the Wonderbag actually works. It’s a fantastic piece of kit! I learned some new recipes (veggie curry was my favourite, and the families too!) I loved the La Creuset pan which was generously given along with the Wonderbag (I would never have been able to buy these) and I have used them lots since the workshop.” 

A big thank you to Charlotte for running these workshops for us. They were a great success and we hope to run more in the East Brighton area very soon. Watch this space!

On Saturday 7th October, grant recipients Archaeodiscovery took a group of enthusiastic local families up Whitehawk Hill to explore a 5,500-year-old causewayed enclosure.

Did you know that Whitehawk Camp was constructed in the Neolithic period? This was an exciting time in Britain's history that saw the introduction of farming, pottery, and the large-scale building monuments that can still be found within the landscape. 

During the session, the families learned how to hunt for clues and protect their historic environment. In the company of qualified resident archaeologists' the group took a tour around the earthworks and examined the flora of the chalk downland, whilst discussing the uniqueness of the site.

There was also the opportunity to handle real and replica artefacts from the Neolithic and have a go at some Stone Age crafts - including spinning wool, chalk carving, and pottery making.

Felicity of Archaeodiscovery had this to say: 

"Thanks to the grant from East Brighton Trust, Archaeodiscovery had the opportunity to assist a group of residents (of all ages) to discover the archaeology on their doorstep.  We spent a day up on Whitehawk Hill, learning how the residents of the past lived in this very same landscape. Using playful and hands-on activities the group was able to experience archaeology in their neighbourhood. And by handling the finds and materials of that period really got to imagine what life was like in the past. 

At Archaeodiscovery we are passionate about inspiring places, promoting well-being, and forming stronger connections with community, heritage, and the natural environment in an inclusive way. These ideals align with the wonderful work that East Brighton Trust does, and we are really grateful to them for supporting us to deliver this positive experience of local heritage."

Our thanks to the team at Archaeodiscovey for leading such a stimulating day in the local East Brighton environment. We look forward to future sessions. To participate, please keep an eye on our social channels. 

East Brighton Trust launched Enrichment Grants to provide local primary schools with grants to fund some of the extra-curricular activities that they could not afford to fund themselves.

The name “Enrichment Grants” reflects the nature of the activities the grant will fund - things that will enrich pupils, their educational experience, and consequently their lives. And crucially, once awarded, this money is for the schools to do with as they see fit. 

Moulsecoomb Primary School decided to spend some of its money on the Harvest Festival event which takes place every September using fruit and vegetables grown at the school. A juicing machine was funded by the grant, as were two cooks, Anna and Karen to support the activity.

Working with Stephen from Brighton Permaculture Trust (link), children chopped and pressed apples and pears from the school and the Bevy orchards, transforming them into delicious juice. 

Anna and Karen were on hand throughout to help the children cook incredible food from school-grown veggies, including tomato bruschetta, apple crumble cake, roast vegetable frittata, pumpkin bread, and more! 

Warren Carter of Moulscoomb Forest Garden Project said: 

"The Harvest Festival is the culmination of our work with Year 5 who spend the academic year learning how to grow food - starting with broad beans and garlic, to tomatoes and peppers from seed in our greenhouse hot box to potatoes, pumpkins, and sweetcorn.

The stunning school grounds also have an orchard and chickens. The children learn how to prune, mulch, and care for the chickens. 

The East Brighton Trust enrichment grant means that the children don't just get to harvest the food they have grown, but get to turn it into delicious food while the apples and pears become juice.

Finally, they get to serve it up to everyone at the end of the school day."

Stephen Gehrels of Brighton Pemaculture Trust commented:

'With Moulscoomb Prinary's commitment...and the funding streams they have accessed, we have been able to deliver and maintain with them a great orchard as well as many other trees in the school grounds.

The Harvest Festival has been without doubt one of the charity's favorite yearly events over the years that we have been running it! Thank you to all that make it happen!!!' 

We can’t wait to see what else Moulscoomb decided to spend their grant money on this academic year! 

The latest round of Community Cohesion Grants is now open, with applications closing on Friday 6th October at 5pm (link: https://www.eastbrightontrust.co.uk/small-grants). 

The East Brighton Trust Fund supports voluntary or not-for-profit groups and events across our community every year with up to £750 to help towards costs. 

“East Brighton Trust accepts these grant applications at least twice a year via the Sussex Community Foundation. Each time we open the process we’re delighted to see the incredible grassroots initiatives that are doing positive things in our area of Brighton. It’s important that the Trust funds these grants to help enable people and communities to do great things” Ty Goddard, Director, East Brighton Trust. 

Are you making a difference in Moulsecoomb, Bevendean, Bates Estate, Saunders Park, Manor Farm, Whitehawk, Craven Vale, or Bristol Estate? Could you use a grant of up to £750 to purchase new materials, run an event, or put on a winter celebration? 

If so, please check you’re eligible by reading the guidance notes (link: https://sussexgiving.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/East-Brighton-Trust_Community-Cohesion-grants_guidance-notes_August-2023.pdf) and then send us your application. 

Interested in who was awarded grants from the May round of applications? You can find out here: https://www.eastbrightontrust.co.uk/blog/read_204141/successful-small-grant-applications-june-2023.html

If you have questions, or if we can provide any further advice, please get in touch (link:https://www.eastbrightontrust.co.uk/contactus.html).  

We look forward to receiving your applications. 

East Brighton Trust

Thanks to all those who took the time to apply to the East Brighton Trust Small Grants programme recently. Every year the East Brighton Trust Fund supports voluntary or not-for-profit community groups to undertake projects or run events that benefit people who live in East Brighton. Applications can be made to the value of £750.

Once again we were blown away but the variety and breadth of incredible local community initiatives. 

We are happy to announce that the successful applicants are as follows…

Gladrags Community Costume Resource

Gladrags is a unique provider of subsidised costume resources. Their 8000 pre-loved costumes enrich community-centred projects across Sussex in arts, theatre, education, and wellbeing. They deliver free activities that encourage creative outlets within disadvantaged communities. Funding was requested for their 'Stich My Way' sewing sessions for young people in East Brighton.

Badgers Tennis Club

Badgers Tennis Club is a thriving club based in East Brighton with particular strength in developing junior players. They offer free tennis coaching to children attending The Manor Gym. Funding was requested for training for their Youth Coach.

Resource Centre

Resource Centre specialises in support for small volunteer-led groups in marginalised communities. They enable them to achieve their own aims more effectively through one-to-one advice, training and consultancy; free online information sheets and webpages; community accounting support; provision of design and print services; and access to equipment for meetings and events. Funding was requested for their support work with community groups.

Spiral Sussex

Spiral Sussex exists to support and facilitate adults with learning disabilities, working to improve their quality of life through activities, skill development and inclusion. They provide holidays, out-of-hours clubs, and a space for creative expression at our centre. Funding was for green screen flooring and props for their film group.

Bevy Seniors Fund

Bevy Seniors Club provides a safe, welcoming space to isolated people - mainly 50 plus - to share company, food, and activities, but also take an active part in the group, make decisions, and participate in the wider community of Moulsecoomb. Funding was requested for transport, activities, food and equipment costs.

Menopause and Mind

Menopause and Mind raise awareness of the impact of menopause on mental health and provide support for any people experiencing menopause-related mental health struggles. They focus on well-being, transformation and connection, building networks, using creative approaches to mental well-being, and practices of collective care through care cafes and art workshops. Funding was requested for art workshops at Whitehawk Community Centre.

On Your Way (Job Club and Digital Inclusion) 

On Your Way (Job Club and Digital Inclusion) is a project run by and for local people living in Moulsecoomb and Bevendean. They provide on-the-spot advice at weekly drop-in sessions focussed on finding work, digital inclusion, benefits, and emergency help, adapted to the needs of those who use them. Funding was requested for core costs.

Exploring Senses

Exploring Senses is a not-for-profit community arts organisation. They work in partnership with local communities, youth clubs, libraries, schools, arts organisations, and local authorities. They provide arts and technology participatory activities, which improve health, well-being, skills and knowledge, community cohesion, collaboration and reduce isolation. Funding was requested for five MakerLab sessions in East Brighton.

Brighton and Hove Speak Out

Brighton and Hove Speak Out work alongside people with learning disabilities (PWLD) to make sure they get their voices heard, can address problems they face, and live fulfilling lives. They deliver advocacy with impact, through which PWLD develop networks, skills, and confidence to challenge discrimination, make life choices, and access services they need. Funding was requested for workshops and activities.

abc Fund

The abc Fund provides trips and treats for young families facing adversity. Funding was requested for a trip for 20 families to the Lavendar Line and miniature railway in Isfield.

Noor-ul Huda

Noor-ul Huda's focus is on bringing together Muslim women and their children to enjoy food, cultural activities, peer-to-peer support, and learning for our children. Funding was requested to go towards an educational trip to London in the summer holidays.

Fledglings Outdoor Play

Fledglings Outdoor Play run Forest School (and Beach School) inspired outdoor play sessions for families with young children in East Brighton. Their aim is to provide outdoor play opportunities for all, which connect children with their natural environment. Funding was requested for their forest school activities and subsidised places for East Brighton families.

Due East Brighton 

Due East is a resident-led organisation operating in the estates of Whitehawk, Manor Farm, and the Bristol Estate in Brighton and Hove, working to promote the area, support local decision-making by local people, tackle exclusion, and maximise resources available to the area. Funding was requested for their pilot Summer Playscheme, providing creative and nature-based activities and a warm healthy meal for 80 children and their families.

Pelican Parcels

Pelican Parcels work in Brighton & Hove to recycle pre-loved essential items for babies and children aged 0-12. They take them from families who no longer need them and give them to children who do. Volunteers sort toys, clothes, books, furniture and equipment and share with families in need. Funding was requested for core costs for their work in East Brighton.

St Cuthman’s Whitehawk

St Cuthman's Whitehawk run a the Youth Café launched in 2014. It is a safe, free place for young people to hang out, with youth workers to talk to and low-key games and activities for youth. The grant will go towards the cost of refreshments/snacks.

Fabrica

Fabrica charity uses the visual arts to improve the well-being of people facing health, income, social or age-related disadvantages. They deliver creative engagement and social prescribing activities which are consistent, person-centered, and co-produced. Funding was requested for their Men In Sheds projects in Craven Vale and Whitehawk Hill Allotments Society.

Family Thing

Family Thing is a Brighton-based dance school for people with learning differences and diverse abilities. They celebrate each individual and promote connection so more people feel free to believe they can. Funding is requested for their weekly dance sessions at East Brighton Bounce.

The Future is Unwritten

The Future Is Unwritten was founded as a touring theatre company, working on a project-to-project non-profit basis. TFIU has evolved into a community arts organisation serving disadvantaged people in Whitehawk. In 2022 they created the Made in Whitehawk pilot project, running courses, working with a first-time playwright, and producing a community cabaret. Funding was requested for an outreach worker for their Whitehawk Sings workshops.

Crew Club

Crew Club is a grassroots youth and community organisation that delivers over forty hours of free positive activities a week for children and emergency food support for families living on the Whitehawk Estate in Brighton. Funding was requested for a day trip to Littlehampton Beach and Harbour Park for 20 families.

Little Green Pig 

Little Green Pig (LGP) supports children and young people (CYP) who face challenging circumstances in deprived areas of Sussex; through creative writing programmes that build confidence, literacy, communication skills and wellbeing. They work with schools and cultural partners assisted by their team of skilled volunteers from the community. Funding was requested for their InterPlay sessions in East Brighton.

Congratulations to all the beneficiaries. Applications will close for the next round of Small Grant Funds on 8th September 2023. 

On 12th May 2023, the inaugural ‘Roundtable’ session took place at BACA, hosted by Jack Davis, Principal and Ty Goddard, Director, East Brighton Trust.

Roundtable and action planning events are set to become regular fixtures in the East Brighton Trust calendar. Chaired by East Brighton Trust, their purpose is to bring together relevant people and organisations around a particular topic, to facilitate change and support  people living in the East Brighton area. 

For this first event, the topic was ‘Summer ‘23’, and Ty and Jack were joined by associates from local organisations. including Jane Fendley, Head at St Marks School, Kirsten Abingdon, Longhill School, Adam Muirhead from Trust for Developing Communities, and Nigel Jenner, Brighton Youth Centre.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss, plan for and share ideas on how to deliver a rich and diverse summer of physical and creative activities for children and young people living in the East Brighton area. A comprehensive guide, produced by the Trust and partners, will follow to be shared with schools, clubs, and families within the local community.

Ty Goddard, EBT Director says: “ This is an important step for the Trust. We fund groups across East Brighton and we want to see that funding and the work of other organisations being focussed on what communities and young people actually need over the Summer. The Summer Guide is about people working for the good of residents, in a coordinated way and avoiding duplication.” 

Do you work for or run a club or organisation within the East Brighton area and would like to contribute to the Summer ‘23 programme? Please get in touch with Gill [email protected] and Jodie [email protected] for more information.

It’s May which means the first of our small grants deadlines is fast approaching. 

The East Brighton Trust Fund supports voluntary or not-for-profit community groups to undertake projects or run events that benefit people who live in East Brighton.

If you are making a difference in East Brighton, why not apply? In recent years our grants have helped a whole range of incredible local community initiatives, with up to £750 to help towards costs. 

Read on to find out about some of our deserving grant beneficiaries, and to see where the money goes…

East Brighton Trust recently funded Carolynn Bain of Afrori Books to bring her Anti-Racism Kids Club to schools across the city, giving pupils the chance to learn about Black History and racism and helping them find the language to discuss issues affecting them and their families.

The Sussex Bears Wheelchair Basketball team - the only wheelchair basketball team in Sussex currently competing in the national basketball league -  has gone from strength to strength since launching in 2017. We’re immensely proud to be able to say that East Brighton Trust was the first funder to support the group when they were first getting off the ground.

The mASCot East Brighton Girls' Group is a place where autistic primary-school aged girls can meet with others to socialise, make friends and have fun in an autism-friendly environment. Established in 2020, they do all sorts of activities, from arts and crafts to slime-making and Lego. Each week there is one main craft activity, after which the girls are encouraged to do some physical and / or interactive play to let off some steam and, importantly, get to know each other. In 2021 the East Brighton based group applied to us for funding to purchase some much-needed play equipment and games.

In 2018 our grant enabled the Moulsecoomb Bangladeshi Women's Group and their families to take an intergenerational trip to London. They visited the Coriander Club at Spitalfields City Farm, a gardening and cookery club for older generation Bengali women, with the aim of gathering inspiration for a similar potential project in Brighton.

Who can apply? 

The East Brighton Trust Fund is open to all not-for-profit organisations including charities, community and voluntary groups operating within the East Brighton area defined as: Bates Estate, Bevendean, Manor Farm, Moulsecoomb, Saunders Park, Bristol Estate, Craven Vale, and Whitehawk. 

Grants of up to £750 are available. You can only receive one grant from the East Brighton Trust Fund in any 12-month period. 

The deadline for the next round is Thursday 18th of May 2023 at 5pm.

Apply online now:  https://sussexgiving.org.uk/named_funds_posts/east-brighton-trust-fund/

East Brighton Trust held a successful reception and awards evening at Moulsecoomb Primary School on the evening of April 20th to celebrate the people, organisations, and communities from the heart of East Brighton who are making a positive difference to those living in the area. 

With over £800,000 distributed so far by East Brighton Trust to good causes and local groups and organisations, there were many positive stories to tell of people doing good things for good causes. With a dedicated staff team and a committed board of directors and a new purpose and strategy to lead it, East Brighton Trust is now well on its way to releasing its first £1m of funds to local enterprises.

The event was introduced by, Adam Sutton, Headteacher at Moulsecoomb Primary, followed by an introduction to East Brighton Trust by Interim Chair, Warren Carter, before a speech by Brighton Mayor, and Councillor, Lizzie Dean. Drinks were supplied by The Bevy with food from Haylea’s Cafe.

Ty Goddard of East Brighton Trust, said “The inaugural East Brighton Champions Award is really important to the Trust. We want to recognise, celebrate and champion all the good work being done in our community with the people of East Brighton. This is a celebration about potential; about the people who make the area what it is.”

The awards' winners were as follows:

Christine Harrop, nominated by Alan Cooke, Craven Vale Association: 

“Christine has volunteered at the Craven Vale Food Bank since long before Covid, and is now an indispensable part of the team. Since lockdown ended, Christine has taken on an increasing number of roles in the community, from keeping our lively notice board up-to-date , to organising free twice-weekly gentle gym sessions, including the acquisition of all the equipment; and, as our resident artist, painting a beautiful mural of our community.  

Christine has also played a significant role in making Craven Vale a better place to live. We're lucky to have so many champions, but Christine is a number one."

Class Divide, Nominated by Ty Goddard, Director, EBT

“Class Divide is a grassroots campaign fighting to draw attention to the deeply unjust educational attainment gap for young people from East Brighton and the communities of Whitehawk, Manor Farm and Bristol Estate in Brighton and Hove. Supported by the Crew Club, these campaigners with purpose have put this issue firmly on the City Council's agenda and their podcast rightly draws attention to this key issue in powerful ways."

Maha Mustafa, nominated by Trust for Developing Communities

“Maha has community spirit running through her. She works as an Engagement Worker for TDC and is a Board Director at East Brighton Trust. Maha supports people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities to identify their needs and links people to resources and services. It's a great example of a 'Social Prescribing' Project. Maha's journey with TDC started when she had support from a Community Development Worker to run groups in the BME community to bring people together. Maha then joined as a volunteer and has now progressed to working within the team.”

BACA mentoring scheme and the BACA mentors- nomination from Jack Davies, Principal, BACA.

"A unique scheme to support a whole year. Inspired and pioneered by community organisations across East Brighton, this whole Year 7 mentoring scheme is unique across the City and shows the commitment of this fantastic community to support their local school. We have mentors from our closest communities, across the city, and even ex-pupils. Each of the scheme's 43 mentors gives up their time to mentor a small group of pupils at the school. Already it is making a difference.

Received by Grant Philipps on behalf of the mentoring scheme. 

Ends

University of Brighton students and staff joined the local community to clean up the area around Moulsecoomb station as part of the Community Spring Clean 2023. 

 Supported by East Brighton Trust, Brighton & Hove City Council and the University'sActive Student volunteering service, the event on 23 March saw volunteers collect 17 bags of rubbish, with the more unusual items including a bike helmet, a bra, a charity collection box, and a toilet seat!

 The Community Spring Clean 2023 runs alongside the national Great British Spring Clean organised by Keep Britain Tidy. Research from Keep Britain Tidy found that more than 8.5 million adults in the UK have done litter-picking at least once in the past six months, showing that there is both a need and a desire for this kind of community action. For this eighth year of the Great British Spring Clean, the focus is on taking pride in your local community. 

 Mark Eslick, Head of Placements, Internships & Volunteering at the University of Brighton, said: "We're really pleased to have linked up with East Brighton Trust for this year's Community Spring Clean. Volunteering to litter-pick is a simple action that anyone can do to make an immediate and visible difference to their area, so it was great to see so many students, staff and neighbours taking part.

 “Lots of people who took part in last year’s Great British Spring Clean reported that taking part made them feel more pride in their local area. We hope that this clean-up will have a really positive impact on our University community including our neighbours here in Moulsecoomb.”

Alasdair McGregor from East Brighton Trust said “We’re delighted to work alongside the University and other projects across the city. East Brighton Trust listened to residents about areas that needed a Spring Clean like Westlain Belt, behind BACA, Craven Vale and the station area."