£4.1m awarded to East Suffolk groups through Sizewell C Community Fund
The fund was established to help communities affected by the construction of Sizewell C.
More than £4 million has been awarded to community organisations across East Suffolk over the past two years through a fund established to help communities affected by the construction of Sizewell C.
According to Sizewell C, 61 organisations have received grants totalling around £4.1 million since the Community Fund began awarding money in autumn 2024.
The funding has supported projects ranging from activities for young people and support for older residents to improvements to village halls, community facilities and mental health services.
Managed by Suffolk Community Foundation, the fund provides approximately £2 million a year to support communities near the Sizewell C nuclear power station and its associated construction sites.
The fund forms part of the project's planning arrangements, with up to £23 million allocated over the coming decade to help address the effects of construction and provide longer-term community benefits.
Individual grants awarded over the past two years have ranged from £2,000 to more than £330,000.
Leiston Air Cadets take to the water
Among the organisations to benefit is 1379 Leiston Squadron RAF Air Cadets, which received £21,088 to buy six kayaks, water safety equipment and a trailer.
The grant has allowed the squadron to introduce paddlesports activities, giving young people opportunities to learn new skills and take part in outdoor training.
Flight Lieutenant William Mayhew, the squadron's Officer Commanding, said the equipment had significantly expanded what the group could offer.
"The Sizewell C Community Fund has made a remarkable difference to what we can offer young people," he said.
"The kayaks and safety equipment have allowed us to introduce a full Paddlesports programme, giving cadets the chance to develop confidence, teamwork, and practical water skills in a safe and structured environment."
He said dozens of cadets had taken part in sessions over the past year which would not otherwise have been available to them.
Tackling isolation in rural communities
The Rural Coffee Caravan is another organisation to have received support, after being awarded almost £45,000 last year.
The funding has helped maintain visits to Aldringham, Benhall Green, Darsham, Great Glemham, Kelsale and Sweffling.
The organisation provides a travelling community café and information service, giving residents opportunities to meet others, find out about local activities and access support.
Its chief executive, Alice Sim, said the grant had helped the charity continue reaching people in communities where opportunities for social contact can be limited.
"Through our travelling community café and information service, we create welcoming spaces where people can meet, access local support, and learn about activities in their area," she said.
"We've met many wonderful people, listened to their stories and learned more about the challenges and strengths of rural life."
Ms Sim added that the funding had helped the organisation gather evidence to support plans to reach more people in the future.
Fund aims to support communities affected by construction
Sizewell C is a new nuclear power station under construction on the Suffolk coast.
Its Community Fund is designed to support charitable and not-for-profit projects in areas affected by the development, including communities near associated construction sites.
Priority is given to initiatives which address the impacts of building the power station, bring residents together and provide lasting benefits.
The fund is administered by Suffolk Community Foundation, which assesses applications through its grant-making process.
It is intended to address economic, social and environmental needs, with support available for both smaller community initiatives and larger projects.
Two years of funding marked at community event
The second anniversary was marked by an event at High Lodge in Darsham, attended by representatives of funded organisations and local partners.
The gathering brought together groups to discuss the projects delivered so far and opportunities for further work.
Sarah Mortimer, Sizewell C Community Fund Project Manager at Suffolk Community Foundation, said representatives from 37 funded organisations attended, alongside partners including Community Action Suffolk, East Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council.
She described the event as an opportunity to learn from the organisations receiving grants.
"It was fantastic to see first-hand the difference the Sizewell C Community Fund is making to local lives and communities, and to celebrate the achievements of the organisations helping to deliver that impact," she said.
Marjorie Barnes, Head of Community Relations at Sizewell C, said the fund had reached a significant milestone.
"Reaching £4.1m in funding and supporting 61 organisations is a fantastic milestone, but what matters most is the difference these projects are making to people's lives," she said.
She added that Sizewell C hoped to support further community projects in the coming years.
How can community groups apply?
The Sizewell C Community Fund is open to eligible charities, voluntary groups, not-for-profit organisations and other qualifying community bodies supporting residents in East Suffolk.
The fund offers smaller grants of up to £10,000 per year, while larger projects can apply through a separate funding programme.
Priority is given to proposals benefiting communities closest to Sizewell C development sites, particularly where applicants can demonstrate a connection between the project and the effects of construction.
Organisations interested in applying are encouraged to discuss their proposals with Suffolk Community Foundation before submitting an application.
More information about eligibility, grant awards and applications is available through the Suffolk Community Foundation website, or by calling 01473 602 602.