Community Base, based in Brighton and Hove, has been awarded £20,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund.
The funding will help the centre continue delivering signposting and support services through its drop-in reception, printed directory and an online search – essential tools for helping people access the services they need.
Olivia Canham, director of Community Base, said: “With recent funding cuts to the sector, services now change continually – leaving users confused and stranded.
“This is compounded by Covid forcing many in-person services online or to phone only, with no post-lockdown reset.
“This makes our rare face-to-face signposting service crucial, because access routes have shrunk as demand significantly increases.”
Founded in 1995 by a group of politicians and third sector leaders, the organisation was led by the late Tehmtan Framfroze, who became Brighton’s first BME mayor in 1994.
They acquired the former Eagle Star Insurance building on Queens Road in 1997, transforming it into a hub that now houses more than 30 charities, including Carousel, Amaze, Sussex Community Internet Project (SCIP) and Sussex Interpreting Service (SIS).
Ms Canham said: “Our signposting work connects vulnerable community members to the services they need to take their next steps, empowering them to make choices on how they address issues in their lives, or make moves towards positive changes like training, volunteering and finding community.”
The funding arrives at a time when the voluntary sector faces growing demand and reduced financial support, making face-to-face guidance increasingly important for those most in need.
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