Seachange secures £185k in National Community Lottery funding

Devon-based charity Seachange has been awarded more than £185,000 from the National Community Lottery Fund.

It will support the SeaConnections project set to launch in May 2024 for a span of three years.

This initiative is part of the wider-reaching Communities programme.

Since its establishment in 2017, Seachange has brought together diverse residents, activity groups, voluntary organisations and NHS services.

Now it is an integral part of the Budleigh Salterton community.

The charity provides innovative support to over 8,400 individuals annually, targeting age groups from 3 to 99 years.

Seachange's impact on the community has been profound, as reflected in the sentiments of a local named Ian.

Despite confronting major life challenges including serious injury, pandemic isolation, and bereavement, the support he received from Seachange drastically transformed his life.

Benefiting from their social connectivity activities and supportive staff, Ian managed to surmount his anxieties and forge new friendships.

He advocated the charity as a lifeline for individuals grappling with loneliness, depression, or other unfulfilled needs.

The SeaConnections project aims to develop novel solutions that address issues of loneliness and isolation prevalent in East Devon.

The plan specifically targets older individuals, those enduring long-term physical or mental health conditions, people living unhealthy lifestyles, and unpaid caregivers.

The lottery funding will broaden opportunities for individuals in these target groups and enhance volunteering opportunities across East Devon.

At present, the charity relies on 110 volunteers who assist in group facilitation and individual support, and with this new funding influx, they aim to extend their reach even further.

Head of Seachange, Marc Jobson said: "We are delighted to receive this funding and know that we will be able to directly support many more people across East Devon who are affected by the growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation.

"We look forward to piloting some exciting new projects and extending our services across Woodbury, Exmouth and Budleigh."

The National Lottery Community Fund recently announced its new strategy, ‘It starts with community', aimed at directing at least £4 billion of National Lottery funding by 2030.

Every week, National Lottery players raise over £30 million beneficial causes across the UK.

For more information, visit seachangedevon.org.