Join our missions
Join our missions making a difference to lives across Norfolk.
From intervening early to prevent the deterioration of young people’s mental health to working with community partners to meet emerging needs at grassroots level, our Missions are strategically approaching the big issues facing our county’s communities.
By joining our missions, you’ll be working to secure a brighter future for people on your doorstep. We are continually working with communities to build greater knowledge so you can be confident in knowing your support is having the most impact.
Tackling the key areas of need in our community
Inspiring opportunities
Inspiring Opportunities: Building confidence and skills to thrive
Norfolk’s low-skill, low-wage economy holds people back. We help break down barriers and bring the workplace within reach, giving people a chance to succeed in life.
Last year, we gave over £500,000 in grants to charities and community groups for projects providing support to help create opportunities and build confidence.
One story…
Having the right skills and confidence is essential for success in today’s job market. We funded Harleston Information Plus‘s Jobs Club, which recently helped a man who was made redundant from a production role he held for over 30 years.
He didn’t have the confidence to apply for new roles, and his IT skills were too poor to search for jobs online. A volunteer at their Jobs Club helped him to create a CV. They also showed him how to create an email address and apply for roles online.
Through weekly sessions, the Job Club helped him build his IT skills and confidence. He soon found a role for a part-time cleaner, and managed to secure an interview. A volunteer helped him to prepare, and he was offered the position.
Fighting Poverty
Fighting Poverty: Empowering communities to end hardship.
From getting absolute essentials like food to accessing further support and finding community on their doorstep, we help communities find solutions that bring people together to improve lives where they are.
Last year, we gave over £1.5m in grants to charities and community groups for projects tackling poverty in the lives of local individuals.
One approach…
Since 2020, we have been working with communities to establish Nourishing Norfolk food hubs. Last year, with a fully operational warehouse and distribution hub provided by Norse Group, 27,000 people got access to nourishing food at a place near them at a price they could afford.
Food hubs reduce financial strain, enabling individuals and families to begin to address the root causes of food insecurity. By offering additional support, fostering community, and fighting poverty through grassroots action, food hubs can take communities from surviving to thriving.
Building Community
Building Community: Creating places and spaces to thrive.
Our grassroots funding empowers communities to create spaces and gives people a reason to connect locally. We help create the foundations for stronger, more resilient communities by nurturing local connections and relationships.
Last year, we gave over £1.5m in grants to charities and community groups for projects helping to build stronger communities in Norfolk.
One community…
Village halls are the beating heart of rural communities. Harpley Community Events received our Love Norfolk funding to create a Craft Club in their village hall to give everyone, including the most vulnerable people, a reason to join in, connect with others and build friendships on their doorstep.
One regular attendee said: “Without this I would have been staring at the same four walls, no interaction with others. It has really helped with my mental wellbeing and… it helps with people living on their own in a rural community.”
Nurturing Health
Nurturing Health: Local action supporting healthier communities.
In the face of increasing strains on healthcare services, it’s essential to acknowledge that improving public health goes beyond clinical settings. We can empower communities to take proactive steps to address both physical and mental health challenges, helping individuals to lead healthier lives.
Last year, we gave over £1m in grants to charities and community groups for projects supporting people to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
One programme…
When diagnosed with cancer, healthy eating is often the last thing on a patient’s mind. However, lifestyle changes are crucial for recovery and reducing treatment side effects. We backed The Big C with NHS Charities Together funding to create a supportive community where cancer patients could receive help and guidance from a qualified nutritionist. This boosted their confidence and knowledge, enabling informed changes for
better health and wellbeing for themselves and their families.
One person receiving support said: “The information shared gave me a solid basis to commit to the changes that needed to be made to suit my circumstances, and the confidence to know that there are people who genuinely will support you and your family if needed through a very difficult time.”
