Gatwick Airport Community Trust supports charities and groups in Kent

Good causes across Kent were celebrating this week after Gatwick Airport Community Trust announced the recipients of thousands of pounds of funding.

Money went to groups serving the community in Tunbridge Wells and groups operating in the West Kent area which will be used to carry on essential work during the cost-of-living crisis.

Every year The Gatwick Airport Community Trust invites groups across Kent, as well as East and West Sussex and Surrey to apply for funding.

In 2023 a total of £200,000 was distributed to good causes across the region.

Melanie Wrightson, stakeholder engagement manager at London Gatwick said: “We know from the feedback we’ve received that these contributions have a significant impact, enabling charities, clubs and organisations to thrive and continue making a difference.

“This is especially important during the challenging economic times the country is facing where rampant inflation is affecting every aspect of our lives.

“It’s a privilege for everyone at London Gatwick to be able to play our part in having a positive impact on our community with the Gatwick Airport Community Trust as we continue to provide employment for many people in the area.”

Amongst the groups in Tunbridge Wells to benefit were Thrive Langton (£2,500), Age UK Tunbridge Wells (£2,000), St George's Childcare (£2,000), Speldhurst Recreation Ground (£1,000), The Harmony Therapy Trust £1,000) and Kenward Trust (£800).

In the West Kent area recipients included Withyham Parish Council (£2,000), St Paulinus Centre (£1,500), Penshurst Park Cricket Club (£1,000), Kent Association for the Blind (£900) and West Kent Different Strokes (£330).

Age UK Tunbridge Wells has the money to buy a Magic Table which is an interactive tool featuring games, music and visuals to help people living with dementia to stay connected to the world around them.

Kim Pearman, community sponsorship officer, at Age UK Tunbridge Wells said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have received £2,000 from the Gatwick Airport Community Trust.

“The Magic Table provides hours of stimulation and fun and we are delighted to see our Dementia clients, their families, our day clients and the team interacting with the table.

“We have only had the Magic Table for a couple of weeks but are thrilled with the response to date. A massive thank you to you from us all at Age UK Tunbridge Wells.”

Kent Association for the Blind is using the money to help people to lead more independent lives.

Katherine Barr, director of client services at Kent Association for the Blind, added: “We are delighted to receive £900 from the Gatwick Airport Community Trust towards Iris, our mobile Sight Centre.

“Thanks to this funding, our fully equipped and accessible vehicle will be able to visit easy to reach community venues in and around Tunbridge Wells, providing immediate support and information to people living with, or newly diagnosed with, sight loss.

“We understand how difficult it can be for visually impaired people to get out and about, which is why our vehicle, Iris, visits community venues across the county.

“Our team will show people how to use the latest equipment and technology on-board and find solutions to enable them to be more independent with shopping, cooking or communication.”

Funding was awarded to more than 100 community groups and charities which operate across Kent, East and West Sussex and Surrey.

Funding applications for 2023 are currently closed, but groups will soon be invited to apply for 2024.

The Gatwick Airport Community Trust is an independent charity which provides financial support to projects aimed at the development of young people, fostering the arts, enhancing sporting facilities, promoting environmental improvement and conservation, improving community facilities, supporting volunteering initiatives and assisting the elderly and disabled individuals.

The purpose of setting up the Trust was to ensure that, as the airport continued to grow, funds generated by the existence of the airport should be made available to a board of independent trustees, to make a positive contribution to the quality of life of the communities affected by the airport and its continuing growth.

For more information about the Gatwick Airport Community Trust, visit https://www.gact.org.uk/

London Gatwick is also urging community groups and charities in Kent to apply for the next round of funding from the Gatwick Foundation Fund, which is managed on behalf of the airport by the Kent Community Foundation.

The deadline for applications is 31 August, 2023.

For more information please visit https://kentcf.org.uk/

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Editors notes

About Gatwick Airport Community Trust

The Trust is an independent charity that has been in operation since 2002 as part of the legal arrangements between West Sussex County Council, Crawley Borough Council and Gatwick Airport Limited following publication of the airport’s Sustainable Development Strategy.

It awards grants annually for deserving projects within the area of benefit, which covers parts of East and West Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

The demand for grants always exceeds the funds available, and the normal level of grants is from £1,000 to £5,000. Occasionally larger amounts may be considered if they will benefit a significant number of people and will make a valuable difference in the longer term.

Applicants should seek advice from the Trust BEFORE applying for a larger grant.

Gatwick Airport Limited funds the Trust, with the annual amount linked to passenger numbers.

The purpose of setting up the Trust was to ensure that, as the airport continued to grow, funds generated by the existence of the airport should be made available to a board of independent trustees, to make a positive contribution to the quality of life of the communities affected by the airport and its continuing growth.

Visit: https://www.gact.org.uk/