Our Impact

 

These projects include social groups, creative wellbeing, practical support, transport,

befriending, inclusion work, and communication initiatives — all working together to build a

stronger, kinder, more connected community.

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Across everything we do, we are proud to support many of our neighbours each month,

thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and the strength of our community.

 

Our Volunteers

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We currently have 61 fantastic volunteers who make everything we do possible, enabling

vital support to be delivered across our community.

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Our volunteers:

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• Welcome and support neighbours at groups and events

• Facilitate creative and wellbeing activities

• Provide companionship and peer support

• Offer practical help and transport

• Help create safe, inclusive, friendly spaces

• Strengthen community connection through kindness

 

Their time, compassion, and commitment sit at the heart of Being Neighbourly.

 

Creative Expression 

Wellbeing & Social Connection

 

We provide a safe and welcoming environment where people can explore creatively, build

confidence, and connect with others. With a tutor to bring out that creative expression and 

volunteers there to support the 12 Neighbours who attend this weekly session.

Our sessions support neighbours to:

 

• Express themselves through art, writing, crafts, and conversation

• Reduce loneliness and isolation

• Build friendships and confidence

• Feel part of a supportive community

• Enjoy relaxed, peer-led social time

• Everything we do is inclusive & welcoming, — no experience needed
   

Chatter Chat – For the Young at Heart

 

Our Chatter Chat social group is a warm, friendly space for the young at heart to come

together and connect. Meeting fortnightly, this popular group currently supports 40 people and continues to grow.

Venues are chosen for their community engagement and is supported by Lisa & her team at

Dunnings Mill, Rachel at Trinity Café and our Community and Arts Theatre Chequer Mead.

Chatter Chat brings people together to:

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• Increase friendship networks

• Reduce loneliness and isolation

• Share conversation and laughter

• Build confidence in social settings

• Enjoy regular, meaningful connection

• For many attendees, it has become a much-loved highlight of the month — a place of

• warmth, belonging, and friendship.

 

Monthly Community Bingo Afternoons

 

Our monthly bingo afternoons bring together an average of 65 neighbours for a lively

Saturday social event. Delivered in collaboration with Chequer Mead and the wonderful Harbour Fish & Chip

Shop, these afternoons include:

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• Bingo and entertainment

• Fish and chips and refreshments

• Social time and conversation

• A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere

 

We deliberately hold these sessions at weekends, recognising that this can be a particularly

isolating time for many people. These gatherings provide something enjoyable, fun, social, and

meaningful to look forward to. They help to:
 

• Reduce isolation

• Build friendships

• Strengthen community bonds

• Create shared moments of joy and connection
   

Oasis – Supporting Ukrainian Neighbours

 

Through our Oasis project, we support over 120 Ukrainian neighbours who have arrived in

East Grinstead and surrounding areas.

Oasis provides a welcoming and supportive community that helps people to:

 

• Build friendships and support networks

• Integrate into local life

• Reduce isolation and uncertainty

• Access social and emotional support

• Feel a sense of belonging and stability

 

Oasis continues to grow as a powerful example of inclusion, compassion, and neighbourly

support in action.

 

Befriending Service

 

Our Befriending Service supports neighbours who are unable to get out easily or who

experience loneliness and isolation. We currently have 22 volunteers, supporting 38 neighbours on a weekly basis

For some, their befriender may be the only person they see in a week. Our volunteers provide:

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Weekly visits and companionship

Friendly conversation and emotional support

Consistent, trusted contact

A sense of connection and reassurance

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This service is invaluable to both neighbours and families, offering comfort, dignity, and

human connection. With demand increasing, we are always looking for new volunteers to join us.

 

Helping Hands 

 

Our volunteers also provide essential everyday support to help neighbours maintain independence and wellbeing.

This includes:

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• Shopping and prescriptions

• Errands and collections

• Driving and transport

• Small home maintenance & light gardening for those struggling financially

• General practical help based on need
   

We typically support between 10 and 30 neighbours each week, depending on demand.

These small acts of help make a big difference — supporting independence, dignity, and confidence in daily life.

 

Trishaw Bertie

 

Bertie is our Electric trishaw able to carry 2 passengers.  In his first year, Bertie supported over 80 rides for neighbours across our community. The benefits our neighbours receive:

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• Companionship with the volunteer rider engaging in conversation and drawing on memories

• Getting those out who normally cant access the out doors and countryside

• Feel the wind in their hair

• Puts a smile on neighbours faces

 

As demand grows, we expect these numbers to increase significantly in 2026. 

If you see Bertie out and about, please give a wave — he is a familiar and friendly part of our community.

 

The Bean – Staying Connected

 

The Bean is our bi-annual community magazine created for neighbours who may not be able to get out and about easily. Each edition reaches approximately 100 people, helping to keep them connected and included in community life. It provides:

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• Local news and updates

• Stories & Poems

• Jokes, quiz, favourite places, recipes 

• A sense of connection and belonging

• Written by neighbours for our neighbours
   

The Bean ensures that even those at home remain part of the Being Neighbourly community. We welcome your contributions and very much look forward to hearing from you.

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