Where creativity meets connection
BLIND VETERANS
Helping generations of vision-impaired veterans overcome sight loss, Blind Veterans UK offer rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support.
Since 1915, they’ve transformed the lives of thousands of people, as well as providing valuable resources, help for carers and training. Often, they help people deal with the things we take for granted, such as day-to-day living, getting out and about, or keeping in touch with loved ones. It can all be challenging, but this military family is here to help others adjust and relearn vital life skills.
SAMARITANS CYCLE
Every ten seconds, Samaritans respond to a call for help. For over70 years, they’ve offered a safe space for anyone who is struggling to cope. To ensure fewer people die by suicide, the charity is broadening its impact on society, working with organisations and community groups to make changes that saves lives.
They rely upon public support to keep operating, which comes in the form of donations and fundraisers. One of the most popular events is the Samaritans Cycle Sportive. Next taking place on Sat 28 June 2025, it’ll attract 100s of riders to the Chilterns, where they’ll be choosing from three fantastic routes - routes 40Km, 80Km and 130Km. To find out more about this fun and healthy way to fundraise, head to: www.samaritanscycle.com
RAYSTEDE
Based just outside Lewes, Raystede animal welfare charity and working rescue centre annually helps around 2,000 local animals. These range from dogs, cats and horses to alpacas, goats and exotic birds. Their dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure each injured or distressed animal gets the happy life they deserve. With no government funding, the centre relies entirely on donations and the generous support from the local community to provide care and rehousing.
TAKE ON 50 MILES IN MAY FOR ANIMALS IN NEED
Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare is excited to announce the return of its popular '50 Miles in May' challenge for 2025.
This annual virtual event encourages participants to complete 50 miles throughout the month of May, using any method they choose, be it walking, running, swimming, cycling, or even on horseback! The goal is to promote physical activity all while raising funds to help support animals in need.
This year's challenge introduces an exciting new event where those taking part are invited to join the Raystede team at the Bentley Estate on Thurs 1 May to complete their first mile together. This inaugural event offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow supporters and kickstart the challenge!
Those that sign up to 50 Miles in May challenge will receive a free Team Raystede t-shirt when they start fundraising and can join the challenge’s Facebook page to share top tips with fellow 50 Miles challengers as well as updates on their progress throughout the month of May.
How fundraising makes a difference
Raystede is not government-funded so donations and fundraising are vital to the work of the charity. The charity has to raise £6,500 every day to pay for all the animal care costs so every donation, big or small, makes a huge difference.
• £150 can cover the cost of feeding all the animals in Raystede's care for a day.
• £300 could cover the costs needed to care for a dog for a fortnight.
• £500 helps pay for the costs of essential supplements for aviary birds for two months.
Join #Team Raystede and sign up today for Raystede’s 50 Miles in May challenge at www.raystede.org/50MIM. Want to take on another fundraising challenge? Visit www.raystede.org/support-us/challenge-events/
CHESTNUT TREE HOUSE
www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk
This Sussex hospice provides care to around 300 children and young adults and their families. With support from the local community, children and families who know they don’t have long together have the chance to live life to the full and say goodbye in the way that is right for them.
Almost £6 million is needed each year to provide this care, which is almost entirely raised through their charity shops in the region and incredible donations from the public,
POSSABILITY PEOPLE
Unlocking the potential in everyone, Possability People support disabled people and those with long-term health conditions across the southeast. Offering advice and advocacy services, they help with everything, from findinh employment to achieving independent living.
SAFE IN SUSSEX
Based in Worthing, this charity provides support for those affected by domestic abuse. It’s run by a dedicated team of around 40 passionate staff members and volunteers, all working tirelessly to offer drop-in sessions, allowing people access to one-to-one advice, and working among local communities to raise awareness.
YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
Working across Sussex and Surrey to prevent youth homelessness, YMCA Downslink Group helps improve the lives of vulnerable young adults. Their work includes family mediation, providing supported accommodation, housing advice and training, along with a broad range of wellbeing and counselling services.
ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTE
As an island nation, we’ve always relied on the sea for food and transportation. But it’s also capable of being a dangerous place. Every year, the RNLI rescues scores of people from the waters around Britain, with over 25 lifeboat stations in the region keeping the English Channel (the busiest waterway in the world) safe for all travellers. Their 24-hour search and rescue provision is entirely reliant upon public support, as well as the help of their volunteer crews.
TOGETHER CO
This Brighton-based charity believes that nobody should have to feel lonely. Creating connections and changing lives, it offers services like befriending, social prescribing and volunteering across the city – while spreading its message across the whole of the country.
THE TRUSSELL TRUST
Both an anti-poverty charity and a food bank community, The Trussell Trust works to provide food and practical support for those left without enough money to live on. Combining around 1,400 food bank locations, and over 36,000 volunteers, along with 100,000s of community groups, the organisation is also trying to ensure a future where its services aren’t needed.
Mark O'Donnell
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