Hastings Borough Council launches £1.2 million Fairness Fund to support community-led change

Hastings Borough Council is launching The Fairness Fund, a new £1.2 million funding programme to support community-led projects that improve opportunities, health and wellbeing in communities where funding is needed the most.  

The fund, which will open for applications later this year, will provide predominantly capital funding for projects that deliver lasting social value and help tackle inequality across the town. 

Funding will be available from Spring 2027, with a focus on grassroots organisations and community groups that understand local challenges and are best placed to develop solutions alongside local people. 

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, leader of Hastings Borough Council, said: “The Fairness Fund is about investing in the people, places and communities that make Hastings special. We know that the best ideas often come from local people who understand the challenges and opportunities in their communities. Through this £1.2 million programme, we want to support those grassroots organisations and community groups that are making a real difference and help them create even greater impact." 

Children’s University to bring new opportunities for young people in Hastings  

A flagship project supported through The Fairness Fund will be the creation of a Children's University Academy for Hastings, delivered in partnership with London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT) and East Sussex County Council. 

LSEAT manages the London South East Children's University in Bexley, an out-of-school learning and enrichment programme for children aged 5 to 14 that encourages learning beyond the classroom and helps raise aspirations through a wide range of experiences and activities. 

Neil Miller, Deputy CEO at LSEAT, said: “Children’s University is an exceptional programme that helps all children discover new interests, develop confidence and believe in what they can achieve. Through a wide range of learning experiences beyond the classroom, it creates a sense of belonging, builds aspiration and helps young people recognise their own potential. We are particularly excited to bring this opportunity to children from disadvantaged backgrounds in Hastings, ensuring that those who may have the fewest opportunities to access enrichment activities can broaden their horizons, develop valuable skills and be inspired to aim high for their futures. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Hastings Borough Council, East Sussex County Council and local schools to make this vision a reality."

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, leader of Hastings Borough Council, said: "I’m pleased we have been able to fund this project which was developed in partnership with East Sussex County Council, and we’re excited to be bringing the Children's University programme to Hastings. By working with schools, families, employers and community organisations, we can give young people new experiences, raise aspirations and help them develop the skills and confidence they need for the future."

The new Hastings programme will give children and young people opportunities to explore new interests, develop confidence and broaden their horizons through educational, cultural, environmental and community-based activities. 

The joint funding between LSEAT and Hastings Borough Council has facilitated a dedicated Children's University Co-ordinator, who will work alongside LSEAT to develop and deliver the initiative in Hastings. The role will work closely with primary schools, community organisations and local employers to create a network of opportunities for children and young people. 

Sustainability, environmental awareness and future skills will be key themes. Working with local employers, businesses and organisations, children will have opportunities to explore careers, learn about environmental challenges and discover the skills needed for the future economy. 

Through a range of experiences, challenges and activities, children will be encouraged to develop skills, discover new interests and gain recognition for their achievements, helping to build confidence and raise aspirations from an early age. They will also have the opportunity to earn a Passport to Learning and celebrate their achievements through a graduation-style ceremony.  

The official launch of the Hastings Children’s University Programme will take place on Thursday 28 January at East Sussex College. 

The event will feature a series of exciting writing and drawing workshops led by acclaimed children’s author Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Chancellor of the programme, and renowned illustrator Nick Sharratt. Local primary schools from across Hastings will be invited to take part in this special celebration of learning, creativity and reading. 

We are also keen to hear from local businesses and organisations interested in supporting the programme. Whether through providing learning opportunities, hosting visits, offering experiences or becoming a programme partner, there are many ways for employers to help inspire and broaden horizons for children and young people across Hastings. 

For further information about the launch event or to discuss opportunities to get involved, please contact: liz.lake@lseat.org.uk.

More details regarding the programme can be found on the London South East Academies Trust - Children's University website. 

Supporting local ideas and local ambition 

The Fairness Fund will support projects that:  

• Improve educational opportunities and raise aspirations
• Strengthen community health and wellbeing
• Create opportunities for local people to develop skills and confidence
• Improve community assets and facilities where they are needed most
• Deliver long-term social value in neighbourhoods experiencing the greatest need. 

Early investment already making a difference 

Alongside the launch of The Fairness Fund, the council continues to invest in projects that support local people and strengthen local communities. 

This includes continuing to support community development work in Broomgrove in Northeast Hastings, ensuring that the Community Development Worker role can continue its vital work in the area, helping residents and local organisations work together to improve outcomes and create opportunities within their neighbourhood. 

The council is also awarding £10,000 to support CXK's new Youth Hub in Hastings town centre. The new facility, located on Cornwallis Street, will provide a dedicated space for young people to access support, advice and opportunities. Funding has been allocated to enable essential capital works required to bring the building into operation and ensure it is suitable for the new hub. This investment represents the final allocation from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme and will help bring a valuable new community asset into use for local young people. 

Find out more about CXK's work.  

How to apply 

The Fairness Fund will open for applications later this year, with funding available from spring 2027. 

Further information about eligibility, funding priorities and how to apply will be published when the application process opens. 

ENDS 

Notes to editors 

• The Fairness Fund is a £1.2 million Hastings Borough Council funding programme focused on community-led projects and long-term social value.
• Funding will be predominantly capital funding.
• The Children’s University Academy for Hastings will be developed in partnership with London South East Academies Trust and East Sussex County Council.
• The council is also continuing community development work in Broomgrove and awarding £10,000 towards capital works for CXK’s new Youth Hub in Hastings town centre, This investment represents the final allocation from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme.