In times of hardship, communities come together, collaborate and provide for the most vulnerable people in their population. Contrary to what discriminatory myths might teach us, the reality is that deprivation is not usually indicative of the behaviour or quality of regional populations, but usually relates to historic socio-economic factors.

Despite this, the areas that suffer with the greatest income inequalities often have incredible community projects that are spearheaded by members of the local population, and Rother (in East Sussex) is no exception to this rule. 

Rother has one of the highest food vulnerability scores in the UK, landing itself in the British Red Cross’s top indices. These scores are calculated based on access to local services (i.e. distance to supermarkets) as well as the economic vulnerability of average households. Beyond this, Rother has the second lowest total annual household income in Sussex.

These problems are exacerbated when you are trying to provide for a family, or if you suffer with certain disabilities. Thankfully, the community across Rother have banded together and have created solutions to these problems to provide for those that are the most vulnerable. 

Family Support Work

Family Support Work exists to help vulnerable families living in Sussex who are facing difficulties in their lives. They provide real emotional support to parents/carers and children while also providing real, practical support. 

Family Support Work told us that one mother they support, who is a single parent, had been suffering with mental health problems, partially due to her isolation in Rother. While she had previously lived in big cities, she  had to adapt to a relatively reclusive lifestyle when she moved to Rother, particularly as public transport was limited. 

Family Support Work provided her with taxis to her GP surgery, to local family and baby groups as well as to her holiday at the MU Caravan. This has allowed her to connect with groups and people that she previously would not have been able to see, cutting down on her self isolation and helping to stabilise her mental health.

Music Well CIC

Music Well CIC provides music therapy for people throughout the Rye area, with a range of different activities that can be as meditative as they are cathartic. Providing a series of fantastic creative workshops, they have been providing some real results for the local people. One member of Music Well revealed to us a story about one of their participants:

“One member of Music Well’s online singing group, who had recently lost his wife, said that Music Well gave him a reason to carry on living. He felt desolate during the pandemic and utterly alone.  His regular sessions with the Music Well reintroduced fun and laughter into his life.  He could fully participate and importantly could give to others as well as benefitting himself.  He is delighted to be out the other side of his suicidal thoughts.”

Advice for charities in Rother

If you are in a charity in the Rother area and are looking for funding, then apply to the Little Cheyne Wind Farm Fund right here. By securing funding, your charity will be able to spearhead incredible projects, working to make a genuine difference to the people in your local area.