Applications are being invited for a new grants programme designed to support local organisations bring people of different ages together through shared activities.
Rother District Council will award funds of up to £500 to groups in the area, as part of its intergenerational grants programme, with the aim of helping to build relationships between different generations, strengthen communities and improve wellbeing.
Cllr Gareth Delany, Rother District Council’s cabinet member for wellbeing, equality, age-friendly communities and community safety said: “We are encouraging local organisations to apply for these grants because we see the funding as an opportunity to help make a hugely positive and long-lasting impact on people of all ages across the Rother district.
“For many older people living in the local area, social isolation is a real issue and one of the aims of awarding the grants to community groups is for them to enable an increased sense of purpose and belonging to this section of society. We are also anticipating the funding will go towards groups supporting younger people in the area by helping them to build confidence, communication, and social skills.
“Intergenerational activity is wide-ranging and can take place in a variety of spaces and places, adapting to the specific needs, issues and requirements of the people and communities involved.”
Grants can be used by organisations to help fund a variety of intergenerational activities, including: the creative arts; storytelling; physical activities like gardening; music and other groups which involve sharing skills and experience across generations.
The grants programme supports key objectives within the Age Friendly Rother programme to help support inclusion and reduce ageism and age-related stereotypes and harms.
The Age Friendly Rother programme is funded through a partnership between East Sussex County Council Public Health and Rother District Council, in collaboration with Rother Voluntary Action which is setting up a new Age Friendly Rother Network Age-Friendly Rother Network (AFRN) – Rother Voluntary Action.
Further information on the grants programme is set out in a guidance document and local organisations and community groups can apply using the programme application form. The form and the guidance document are available at Intergenerational Grants Programme – Rother District Council. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday, July 31.
Published: 15th June 2026
