Organisations in Wealden awarded funding to address health inequalities

Six Wealden community organisations have been awarded almost £20,000 through phase 4 of the Tackling Inequalities Through Physical Activity Funding Programme.

The funding comes from East Sussex Public Health and is provided to Wealden District Council to support groups and organisations in Wealden to boost physical activity and tackle health inequalities. 

This funding programme has successfully supported 23 targeted health activities and interventions since the programme was launched in 2022.

The organisations and groups which have received funding in Phase 4 are:

• Crowborough Walks - to provide weekly guided walks, giving residents opportunities to become more active, improve their wellbeing and reduce social isolation.
• The Association of Carers, Polegate - to deliver monthly sessions focused on balance, posture and core strength, helping residents to improve mobility.
• Rotherfield St. Martin – to provide three regular exercise classes including Rehab Flex & Stretch, Happiness in Motion and a general exercise class which is designed to support physical fitness, rehabilitation and overall wellbeing for people of all abilities.
• MAYFACS, based in Five Ashes - to run Moving Sounds sessions, combining music and movement to improve wellbeing, encourage learning and bring people together.
• Sussex Support Services CIC, based in Crowborough, Uckfield and Cross-in-Hand - to expand its successful Get Up and Go project by introducing two more outreach sessions, helping more residents access activities and support within their local communities.
• BreatheEasy – to expand its Pulmonary Rehab exercise maintenance programme in Crowborough, while also providing services in Polegate, in response to growing demand. The programme helps residents living with respiratory conditions to stay active, improve their quality of life and better manage their long-term health concerns.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management, said, “The amount of funding that has been awarded so far in this programme is doing amazing things for our district and the people that live in it. We have already seen the positive impact this funding is having within our communities, and with the next round now available, we would encourage local groups and organisations to come forward with plans that can continue helping to reduce health inequalities and improve quality of life for residents across the district.”

A further round of funding (phase 5) was recently launched. The closing date for applications is 6 July 2026.  Grants up to £5,000 are available to groups who deliver physical targeted activity services. To receive funding, applicants must demonstrate how they will support and encourage Wealden residents to become more active and empower them to make positive health choices.

For further information and to request an application form, groups should email wellbeing@wealden.gov.uk.

For further details on living a healthy lifestyle and wellbeing support residents can visit, https://healthywealden.co.uk/