A Guide to Local Horsham Charities

Here in Horsham we have a large number of worthy charities to support. We’ve written about some which we feel have a large impact on the local community. Charities are always looking for volunteers and donations, so find out how you can help make a difference here.

Springboard Project

Mission Statement: The Springboard Project welcomes children and young people with or without disabilities and their families for inclusive play and social opportunities.

The Springboard Project is a community based charity that offers fantastic play and leisure opportunities. The centre welcomes families with young children, children and teens with disabilities. It is specially equipped with ceiling hoists, accessible entrances and exits, changing facilities with a changing bed and also lifts. There is also a mobile hoist available for visitors, just ask at reception.

The springboard project has centres in Horsham and Crawley and offer sessions with a play and learn coordinator called ‘Bunny Hoppers’. This runs two Sundays a month for under 5’s requiring additional support.

How to get involved

The Springboard Project has many exciting volunteering opportunities. They run short break activities for children and young people with additional needs in Horsham, Crawley, Worthing and Sutton. To find out more or to sign up to volunteer click here. Your help is extremely appreciated!

Chestnut Tree House

Chestnut Tree House is currently the only children’s hospice in Sussex and there are up to 1,000 families with life-limited children living here. They offer support for the whole family including psychological and bereavement support, end of life and short break care and sibling support.

It costs well over £3.5m each year to provide all the care services provided by CTH. Families aren’t charged for their care and less than 7p in every pound is funded by the government. This means CTH have to rely heavily on the generosity, help and support of the people of Sussex.

How to get involved

If you want to get involved with the charity or raise money you can do this through challenge events, fundraising, donating your unwanted goods to their shops and volunteering. Their challenge events  include running events, cycle challenges, overseas treks, sponsored walks and skydiving! If you want to find out more about their volunteering opportunities please click here.

Samaritans of Horsham and Crawley

The Samaritans provide 24/7 confidential emotional support for people feeling distressed or in despair, including feelings which may lead to suicide.

They are a non religious volunteer led organisation, and as well as supporting people in emotional distress, the team of volunteers undertake outreach in the community, carry out fundraising and offer support through administrative roles and in many other ways. Combined, these are all vital to ensure that the service remains available round the clock, every day of the year.

How to get involved

You can make a difference at Samaritans by helping to support people around the UK and Ireland. You can be that person to talk to when someone is going through a difficult time in their life. They will train, mentor and support you in whatever role you choose to do. This is such a worthy cause and they really appreciate all their volunteers.

Horsham Matters

Horsham Matters Ltd is a social enterprise set up by Horsham Churches Together (HCT). Their aim is to deliver projects that provide practical support to those who are in need in the local area.

They provide a wide selection of furniture, white goods, cots, prams etc and are happy to help anyone who is struggling. They provide each client with an average of £190 worth of goods. These clients range from single mums to families and older, retired people.

Their work is funded through income generated by sales of donated furniture, electrical items (including white goods) and household goods (bric-a-brac, linens, books, toys and games) from their charity centre which has recently relocated to Redkiln Close in Horsham (next to Brewers and just opposite Tesco Express).

To find out more about donating your unwanted items visit their website and if you want to find out more about volunteering for Horsham Matters click here.