New Intergenerational Grants Programme Launches Across Hastings

Community groups and organisations across Hastings are being invited to apply for funding through a new Intergenerational Grants Programme designed to bring people of different ages together through shared activities and experiences.

Launched as part of the Age Friendly Hastings programme, the grants will support projects that help build relationships between generations, strengthen communities and improve wellbeing. Grants of up to £500 are available for local organisations and community groups to deliver activities that encourage meaningful interaction between younger and older residents in round one. A further round will be launched in Autumn 2026.

Intergenerational activities can help improve wellbeing among older people while supporting younger people to develop confidence, communication and social skills. Projects could include creative arts, storytelling, gardening, music, physical activity, digital skills sharing and other opportunities for people to learn from one another and share experiences.

The programme supports key objectives of Age Friendly Hastings, which aims to create more inclusive communities while challenging ageism and age-related stereotypes.

Cllr Solly Solamito, lead councillor for Corporate Services, Communities and Equalities, Hastings Borough Council, said: “Intergenerational activities create opportunities for people of all ages to connect, share skills and build stronger communities. I am delighted to launch this grants programme and encourage local groups to come forward with ideas that will help bring generations together across Hastings."

Further information about the programme, including eligibility criteria, guidance and the application form, is available here. 

Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Friday, 31 July 2026.

Hastings Borough Council has also signed the Age-friendly Employer Pledge, a nationwide programme run by the Centre for Ageing Better. This demonstrates its commitment to older workers and to creating a more age-friendly workplace.

More details about the wider Age Friendly Communities programme and employment pledge in Hastings can be viewed here. 

The Age Friendly Hastings programme is funded through a partnership between East Sussex County Council Public Health and Hastings Borough Council, working alongside Hastings Voluntary Action (HVA) who are delivering and Age Friendly Programme in Hastings.

The programme aims to help people age well by supporting opportunities to remain active, connected and involved in their local communities in Hastings. Discover more about HVA's age friendly communities work here.